mmw ; . * 

/ 9e  vvyi 

Glad  Tidings . 

OR 

AN  ACCOUNT 


OF  THE 

STATE  OF  RELIGION, 

WITHIN  THt  BOUNDS  OP  THE 

GENERAL  ASSEMBLE 

OF  THE 

PRESBYTERIAN  CHURCH 


IN  THE 

UNITED  STATES  OF  AMERICA; 

AND 

IN  OTHER  PARTS  OF  THE  WORLD. 


TAKEN  FROM  THE  RF  PORTS  OF  TH  EIR  MEMBERS,  AND  THEIR 
COMMITTEE  OF  MISSIONS;  PUBLISHED  BY  THE  SAID 
COMMITTEE,  WITH  THE  APPROBATION  OF  THE 
GENERAL  ASSEMBLY  FOR  THE  INFORMA- 
TION OF  THE  PEOPLE  UNDER 
THEIR  CARE. 

Go  ye  into  all  the  Ivor  Id  and  preach  the  Gospel  to  every 
creature . Mark  xvi.  15. 

Lo  ! I am  with  you  always , even  unto  the  end  of  the  world , 

Amen%  Matt,  xxviii.  20, 


Philadelphia : 

FROM  THE  PRESS  OF  THE  LATE  R.  A1TKEJT, 

PRINTED  BY  JANE  AITKEN,  No.  20,  NORTH  THIRD 
STREET. 


I 


1804. 


* k .i 

A-  ■ ' - ■ ■ 


, • 

V 


''4  . 

. 

... 


3 


The  General  Assembly  appointed  a committee  to  draw 
vp  a Summon/  of  Information  received  in  a free 
Conversation  on  the  State  of  Religion,  who  made 
the  following  Report,  which  was  adopted  by  the 
Assembly. 

ALTHOUGH  every  finccre  chriftian  mud  lament  that 
inattention  to  the  ordinances  of  religion,  and  the  fmall  impreffion 
which  its  facred  truths  make  on  the  hearts  of  men,  which  are  vi- 
able in  many  and  extenfive  portions  of  our  country;  yet,  the  As- 
fembly  have  heard,  with  the  bigheft  fatisfaftion,  of  the  prevalence- 
and  increafing  influence  of  vital  and  pra<flical  godlinefs  throughout 
the  greater  part  of  the  Prelbyteries  which  compofe  our  body.  With- 
in thofe  wide  diftriefts,  towards  the  fouth  and  well,  from  which  the 
laft  Aflembly  heard,  with  fo  much  pleafure,  the  glad  tidings  of  the 
great  falvation  manifefted  there,  the  power  of  religion  appears  ftill 
to  prevail,  with  little  abatement.  And  although  through  the  fubtilty 
of  the  adverfary  of  fouls,  and  the  influence  of  human  frailty,  fomc 
errors,  extravagancies,  and  inftances  of  reproachful  behaviour,  have 
taken  place,  which  the  Aflembly  do  fincerely  regret,  and  nioft  un- 
equivocally difapprove  and  condemn;  yet  are  they  happy  to  learn, 
and  it  is  a facred  duty  which  they  owe  to  the  churches,  to  announce, 
that,  notwithftanding  the  malignity  with  which  the  enemies  of  reli- 
gion have  ftudied  to  mifreprefent,  and  rejoiced  to  exaggerate  thefe 
undclirable  events,  they  are  chiefly  confined  to  one  diftrieft  of  no  great 
extent;  and  they  are  certainly  very  rare,  confidering  the  immenfe 
region,  through  which  this  work  has  prevailed,  and  the  vaft  variety  of 
characters  who  have  been  its  fubjecls. 

The  Aflembly,  moreover,  have  the  unfpeakable  fatisfaflion  to 
announce,  that  the  extraordinary  influences  of  the  Divine  Spirit 
have,  fince  the  lad  year,  been  fpread  over  new  and  very  extcuiive 
countries,  dill  farther  to  the  fouth  and  weft.  To  the  north-weft 
and  north,  from  the  river  Ohio  to  the  Lakes,  (a  vaft  region  which, 
a few  years  ago,  was  an  uninhabited  wildernefs,)  new  churches  are 
forming  with  aftonifhing  rapidity:  and  the  Spirit  of  God  feems 
to  be  remarkably  poured  out,  and  to  accompany  the  word,  and  or- 
dinances of  the  gofpel,  with  the  raoft  folemn  and  afte&ing  impreffions. 

The  fame  fpirit  appears  to  prevail  through  a large  portion  of  the 
Synod  of  New  York  and  New  Jerfey,  and  the  Synod  of  Albany. 
Its  effefls  though  more  fdent,  feem  to  be  not  lefs  deep,  nor  confo- 
ling  to  the  friends  of  true  religion.  Sinners  are  convinced,  and 
fincere  believers  comforted,  ^nd  eftabiiihed  in  the  faith  and  hope 


4 


of  the  gofpel.  Trophies  are  continually  raifcd  to  the  grace  of  the 
Redeemer;  and  numbers  are  almoil  daily  added  to  the  church  of 
fuch,  we  trud,  as  fhall  be  faved.  In  the  churches  in  which  thefe 
extraordinary  influences  of  the  Divine  Spirit  are  not  fo  confpicuous, 
the  power,  and  the  falutary  effedts  of  the  ordinances  of  the  gofpel, 
feem,  notwithdanding,  to  be  vifibly  progrefling.  That  inattention 
to  the  things  of  religion  ; that  neglect  of  its  inditutions;  that  tenden- 
cy to  infidelity,  or  to  fcepticifm  in  principle,  and  to  diffolutenefs  of 
manners,  which  a few  years  fince,  the  truly  pious  had  fo  much  reafon 
to  deplore,  are,  in  mod  places,  evidently  arreded;  and  the  tide  of 
public  fentiment  has  happily  begun  to  flow  in  a contrary  diredion. 
Places  of  divine  worfhip  are,  in  general,  more  frequented ; the  in- 
ditutions  of  religion  are  held  in  higher  honor,  and  attended  with 
greater  folemnity,  and  apparent  devotion. — The  like  agreeable  ti- 
dings have  been  received  from  our  affociated  brethren  of  the  eadern 
churches,  who  are  dwelling  together  in  peace,  and  in  the  unity  and 
faith  of  the  bleffed  gofpel. 

The  Affemkly  have  likewife  heard,  with  uncommon  fatisfadion, 
of  the  increafing  number  of  focieties  for  the  purpofes  of  prayer, 
and  for  the  promotion  of  piety  and  good  morals.  It  is  the  ordinary 
courfe  of  divine  providence,  that,  when  God  defigns  to  pour  out 
his  Spirit  in  a remarkable  manner  on  his  churches;  and  to  increafe 
and  extend  the  influence  of  true  religion;  he  firfl  awakens  among 
his  own  people  a fpirit  of  prayer,  and  of  fervent  fupplication  at  the 
throne  of  grace,  for  this  bleffing.  And  the  Aflembly  do  earnediy 
recommend  it  to  all  who  love  the  appearing  of  the  great  God,  even 
our  Saviour  Jefus  Chrid,  to  meet  often  together;  to Jl'ir  one  another 
up  to  love  and  good  nvorls,  and  to  wredle  in  prayer  with  God,  like 
the  faints  of  old,  for  the  profperity  of  Zion,  till  the  righteoufnefs 
thereof  go  forth  as  brightnefs , and  the  falvafum  thereof  as  a lamp 
that  lurncth. 

It  is,  moreover,  no  fmall  ground  of  confutation,  to  obferve  the 
pious  difpofition  manifeded,  and  the  increafing  efforts  which  are 
made,  more  effedually  to  extend  the  knowledge  of  the  way  of 
falvation  to  the  unhappy  and  enflaved  blacks  in  our  country;  and 
to  fend  the  inedimable  blellings  of  the  gofpel,  along  with  the  im- 
provements of  civilization,  to  the  heathen  and  favage  tribes  in  our 
vicinity;  to  fave  thefe  wretched  people  from  utter  extermination; 
and  to  raife  up  from  the  remnants  of  fo  many  dedrudlive  wars,  the 
feeds  of  future  and  great  nations,  who  fhall  enlarge  the  kingdom 
of  the  Redeemer.  The  reports  of  the  AfTembly’s  miffionaries  in 
the  Cherokee,  and  Catawba  nations,  have  rendered  the  profpcdls 
of  introducing  among  them,  letters  & civilization,  the  arts  of  peace, 
and  the  precious  lights  of  the  gofpel,  more  promifmg  than,  at  any 
period,  they  have  ever  been. 


5 


Finally,  the  AfTcmbly,  rejoicing  themfelves  in  the  grace  of  the 
Great  Head  of  the  Church,  have  again  the  happineis  to  offer  to 
the  churches  tinder  their  care,  increafing  caufe  of  thanksgiving, 
and  ptaife,  to  the  God  of  all  mercy  and  truth.  And,  they  intreat 
the  co-opcration  of  their  prayers,  and  their  charity,  for  the  promo- 
tion of  the  Redeemer’s  glory,  and  the  falvation  of  precious  and 
immortal  fouls. — And  now,  to  God  Almighty,  Father,  Son,  and 
Holy-Spirit,  who  hath  given  us  this  rcafon  to  rejoice,  be  glory  and 
honor,  world  without  end!  Amen! 


THE 


COMMITTEE  OF  MISSIONS, 

IN 

COMPLIANCE  WITH 


The  Requisition  of  the  General  Assembly, 

NOW  REPORT.— 

IT  is  with  pleafure  that  the  committee  are  enabled  to  begin 
this  information  with  notice  of  a new  Miflionary  Society,  having  been 
eftablifhed  in  New-Hampfhire,  the  latter  end  of  the  laft  year,  or  the 
beginning  of  the  prefect — By  their  Conilitution  it  appears  that  they 
are  zealoufly  engaged  in  the  fame  common  caufe  with  the  General 
Affembly,  having  explicitly  declared  their  defign  of  affociating  to- 
gether, to  be  “ for  the  increafe  of  knowledge  and  evangelical  piety; 
for  the  promotion  of  the  prefect  well  being,  and  eternal  falvation  of 
men,  from  a confideration  of  the  great  number  of  thofe  who  are  in 
danger  of  perilling  through  lack  of  vifion,  among  whom  the  divine 
word  and  ordinances  cannot  be  ftatedly  enjoyed  : from  a defire  that 
grace,  mercy,  and  peace,  may  be  multiplied  to  them,  through  the 
knowledge  of  God  and  of  Jefus  Chvift  our  Lord.” — This  Society 
is  denominated,  “the  Phcataway  MiJJionary  Society .”  In  the  in- 
fancy of  this  1 nflitution,  four  miffionaries  were  employed  for  part  of 
the  firft  year,  who  in  Auguil  laft  repotted/*  That  their  fervices  in 
the  new  fettlemects  both  in  the  diflridl  of  Main  and  in  New-York, 
were  gratefully  acknowledged.  In  fome  inftances  ferious  impreffi- 
ons  were  made,  convictions  produced,  reformations  effected,  diffi- 
culties removed,  order  and  peace  reftored,  fchools  were  vifited, 
examined  and  inftruflcd,  Churches  formed,  and  the  ordinances  ad- 
miniftered,  people  crowded  to  attend  lectures  and  conferences,  and 
to  hear  the  word  of  life.  They  are  not  eafdy  fatisfied  with  hearing, 
but  noticed  with  wonder  and  pleafure,  the  meafurcs  which  were  ta- 
ken for  their  beft  interefts  by  thofe  who  lived  fo  remote  from  them. 
Frequently  different  religious  fects  attended  with  decency  upon  their 
public  labors,  and  appeared  pleafed  and  profited.  They  often  affem- 
bled  even  in  uncomfortable  places  and  inconvenient  buildings.  The 
miffionaries  penetrated  through  difficult  and  rugged  ways  into  places 
where  none  had  been  fent  before,  and  were  unexpected.  They  did 


I 


not  fpare  themfelves,  but  labored  much  in  the  Lord  ; and  it  is  chari- 
tably hoped  that  the  bleflings  of  fouls  ready  to  perilh  red  up»n  them. 
One  of  thefe  Gentlemen  gives  it  as  his  opinion,  that  the  miflionary 
bufinefs  is  of  great  importance  if  judicioufly  managed.  That  fpecial 
regard  Ihould  be  had  to  the  chara&er  and  experience  of  thole  who 
are  employed.  He  dates  feveral  of  the  advantages  as  they  prefented 
themfelves  to  him,  ariiing  from  a difcrcet  and  Heady  management  of 
millions.  Among  which  are  the  following,  They  ferve  to  counter- 
ad  the  powerful  inclination  of  people  in  a new  country  wholly  to 
negled  the  concern  of  their  fouls,  and  regard  nothing  but  procuring 
a comfortable  fublidencc. — They  check  the  pernicious  influence  of 
the  immoral  and  unprincipled.  They  encourage  and  (Lengthen 
the  few  pious  characters  which  are  to  be  met  with,  in  their  duty. 
They  ferve  to  fecure  the  youth  from  the  dangers  to  which  they  are 
expofed,  and  incline  them  to  hear  and  regard  the  truth.  To 
convince  of  the  utility  of  civil  order,  good  neighbourhood  and 
friendly  intercourfe.  To  imprefs  a deep  convidion  of  the  im- 
portance of  religious  inditutions  and  public  worlhip,  and  the  regu- 
lar difpenfation  of  the  word,  as  relating  both  to  the  prefent  and  fu- 
ture life. — To  work  fincere  regret  for  the  precious  privileges 
which  they  had  loft  by  their  removal,  and  an  ardent  defire  to  regain 
them. 


The  Society  for  propagating  the  Gospel  among  the 
Indians  and  others:  instituted  at  Boston, 

HAVE  edablilhed  a fund  for  the  regular  and  condant 
progrelling  in  the  one  common  caufe.  The  income  of  a part  of 
their  funds,  is  appropriated  to  ameliorate  the  civil,  moral,  and  re- 
ligious condition  of  the  Indians.  They  aflift  in  the  fupport  of 
three  Miflionaries,  and  a number  of  fmall  Ichools  for  the  benefit 
of  thofe  deditute  people,  and  as  many  more  among  the  poor 
inhabitants,  principally  of  Maine  and  the  Ifle  of  Shoals. — 1'hey 
have  alfo  atlided  in  building  School-Houfes,  and  a houfe  for  a 
Minider,  and  have  defrayed  the  expence  of  printing  a catechifm 
in  the  Indian  language,  and  have  diftributed  a number  of  religious 
Books  among  them. — The  Society  have  not  forgotten  their  own 
poor,  but  thofe  of  the  diflriCt  of  Maine  have  experienced  their  li- 
berality, by  which  children  have  had  the  means  of  indnudion,  and 
perfons  in  more  advanced  life,  have  had  the  ferious  iinpreffions, 
early  made  upon  their  minds,  revived  and  drengthened,  which  they 
would  otherwife  have  been  in  great  danger  of  lofing,  in  places 
where  they  cannot  enjoy  the  advantage  of  attending  upon  the  ordi- 


8 


nances  of  the  gofpel. — They  further  report,  that  the  people  ha vd 
attended  upon  their  minidrations,  with  great  readinefs  and  apparent 
fatisfa&ion.  They  have  adminidered  the  ordinance  of  the  Lord’s 
Supper,  and  baptized  great  numbers  of  children  and  many  adults. — 
In  feveral  places  they  have  gathered  Churches,  and  in  more,  have 
edablifhed  habits  of  regard  to  the  duties  and  offices  of  religion, 
which  were  before  formed. — Their  difcourfes  and  their  converfation, 
have  tended  to  check  the  progrefs  of  error  and  vice,  and  to  confirm 
the  wavering. — Full  and  grateful  tedimonials  have  been  received 
from  many  places  on  thefe  fubje&s,  and  earnefl  requeds  that  the 
Society  would  continue  attentions  of  this  kind. 


The  Massachusetts  Missionary  Society. 

HAVE  alfo  greatly  exerted  themfelves  in  the  caufe  of  theif 
Lord  and  Mailer. — They  have  given  the  public  an  account  of  an 
awakening  at  Holies.  The  number  of  particular  cafes,  mentioned 
by  their  correfpondent,  fhows  that  the  plentiful  fhowers  of  divine 
grace  have  reached  them  alfo.  He  concludes  the  recital  of  par- 
ticulars in  the  following  words;  “ To  the  above  I might  add 
one  hundred  relations,  which  I now  have  on  hand,  in  which 
the  diflinguifhing  grace  of  God  is  as  clearly  difplayed,  as  in 
any  of  thofe  particularly  related.”  They  were  not  fele&ed  be- 
caufe  they  are  more  noticeable  than  others ; but  becaufe  they 
are  of  the  fird  characters  in  the  town. — So  that  it  may  not  be 
faid,  that  none  but  ignorant,  fuperfiitious  people  are  the  apparent 
fubjedts  of  fpecial  grace.  Two  of  the  perfons  whofe  cafes  have 
been  mentioned,  have  received  a public  education,  and  feveral 
others  are  of  the  mod  diltinguifhed  abilities,  and  the  mod  in- 
fluential among  us.” 

By  a report  of  one  of  their  Miflionaries,  dated  Nov.  1803,  it 
appears,  that  in  the  Society  of  New-Canaan  there  has  been  ex- 
perienced a confiderablc  degree  of  the  fpecial  influence  of  divine 
grace.  The  indances  of  converts  from  tin  to  holinefs,  were  very 
numerous. — “ Fifty-four  have  been  added  to  our  Church;  of 
thefe,  thirty  were  young,  unmarried  people.  Some  families  ap- 
pear to  be  almod  wholly  taken,  and  others  altogether  left.  In 
fome  cafes,  only  one  individual  was  taken  from  a neighbour- 
hood. One  family  in  which  there  were  three  young  men,  was  re- 
markably vifited ; at  fird  the  mind  of  one  ot  the  young  men  was  ar- 
reded,  which  appeared  to  difleminatc  through  the  family,  till  each 
of  the  three,  and  both  the  parents,  were  hopeful  fubjeCb  of  regene- 
rating  grace.  In  another  family,  there  are  five  young  people,  four 
fiflers  and  a brother,  all  of  whom  have  hopefully  become  pious.” 


V 


A letter  from  a rcfpetfqblc  chara<5ler  in  Auflinburgh  dated  2gth 
Not.  1803,  alio  confirms  the  plcafing  intelligence  that  the  divine 
goodnefs  and  mercy  are  viliting  them  alfo.  After  the  writer  had  at- 
tended a facramental  occafion,  with  thrceof  his  children  and  eight  or 
ten  others,  at  about  Jixty  miles  diflance,  and  returned  home,  the  com- 
pany feemed  defirous  that  there  might  be  an  evening  meeting.  “ And 
notwithflanding  the  Ihottnefs  of  the  notice,  God  fo  flirred  up  the 
hearts  of  the  people,  that  more  than  fixty  attended  and  were  much 
impifetled. — The  night  was  fpent  in  prayer. — None  went  from  the 
place  — A folcmn  night!  Some  loll  their  bodily  flrength.  The 
next  fabbath  Mr.  B.  preached  for  us — The  people  were  all  very 
folemft— — As  the  allembly  Wal'difmifled  and  began  to  go  out,  be- 
hold, tftree  young  men,  each  about  fixteen  years  of  age,  were  fallen 
down  together  near  the  door.  They  were  in  fuch  agony  of  mind, 
that  every  beholder  was  muck  with  aflonilhment.  Mr.  B.  imme- 
, diately  went  to  prayer*  in  a manner  peculiarly  adapted  to  the  occa- 
fion.— Few  could  refrain  from  weeping. — A number  of  young  men 
who  had  begun  to  boafl  of  infidel  principles,  were  ftruck,  and  one 
perfon  fell.  Three  little  girls  walking  from  the  place  of  meeting 
with  locked  arms,  fell  on  the  ground  and  loll  their  bodily  flrength; 
one  of  whom  did  not  recover  till  after  midnight;  which  night  was 
fpent  in  puyer.  At  time?,  the  number  of  eight  loft  their  bodily 
ftrdjfcgth.  But  little  was  heard  from  them  but  d^ep  fighs. — At  a 
meeting  of  our  youth  lafl  evening,  I am  informed  that  thirteen  were 
imprefTed  in  this  extraordinary  manner,  which  are  more  than  ever 
happened  at  one  time  before. — Thefe  marks  of  power  are  not  limit- 
. ed  to  awakened  finners  — Many  chriflians,  where  the  work  has  pre- 
1 vailed,  have  alfo  been  thus  jfFeded  under  a fenfe  of  divine  truth.” — 

By  late  accounts  fijpm  new  Connecticut  it  appears,  that  there  is  a 
very  general  revival  tnere:  that  it  has  extended  to  moll  of  the  fet- 
tlements,  and  its  effects  are  fimilar  to  thofe  of  the  revival  in  Ken- 
tucky and  other  Southern  States.  The  harvefl  there  is  truly  great, 
and  the  labourers  f&v— It  is  hoped  therefore,  that  the  pious  people 
will  pray  earneflly  to  God  to  raife  up  and  qualify  fuitable  labourers 
tor  that  extenfive  field,  and  that  they  will  cheerfully  contribute  of 
their  earthly  fubflance  to  enable  the  Truflees  to  fupport  a compe- 
tent number  of  Miflionaries  there,  and  in  other  places,  where  they 
are  wanted. 


Tiie  Berkshire  Missionary  Society 

HAVE  alfo  been  very  adtive:  they  have  had  three  mifliona- 
ries among  the  new  fettlements  40  weeks  in  the  whole. — In  which 
t’  time  they  travelled  near  three  thoufand  miles,  preached  two  hundred 

B 


10 


awd  feventy-fe.en  fermons,  attended  53  religious  conferences,  bap- 
tized 43  perfons,  and  vifited  186  families  &c.  'See.  The  Miflionarie? 
bring  back  accounts  of  their  reception  and  encouragement  in  their 
work,  which  mull  be  animating  to  all  who  love  the  profperity  of 
Zion.  They  uniformly  teftify,  that  the  people  are  generally  dif- 
pofed  to  attend  upon  the  preached  word;  and  in  many  inflances,. 
through  the  infinite  mercy  of  a fovereign  God,  their  hearts  are 
opened  to  receive  in  tire  love  of  it,  the  truth  as  it  is  in  Jefus. 


The  Connecticut  Missionary  Society 

HAVE  had  reafon  to  blefs  God  for  their  fucccfs  during  the 
pad  year.  They  have  had  thirteen  Miflionaries  in  the  field  of 
labor;  fome  through  the  year;  others  for  a fhorter  time.  The  gofpel 
has  been  thus  preached  over  a va(i  extent  of  Country.  The  gofpel 
ordinances  have  been  adminiflered  to  fuch  as  would  otherwife  have 
been  deftitute  of  them.  Some  have  been  awakened  out  of  fecurity, 
and  feveral  new  churches  have  been  formed  in  the  wildernefs.  Some 
they  have  reafon  to  hope  have  been  turned  from  fin  unto  God;  and 
the  hearts  of  many  chriftians  have  been  made  to  rejoices 

“ There  is  great  reafon  to  believe,  that  although  the  efforts  which 
have  been  made,  have  not  borne  down  every  obftacle,  yet  that  feeds 
have  been  difTeminated,  which  will  gradually  fpring  up,  and  for  years 
to  come,  will  augment  the  harveft  of  fouls.”  A letter  from  a Mifli- 
onary  in  Vermont  fays,  “ refpedling  the  date  of  Zion  in  this  Country 
in  general,  I have  good  news  to  write.  There  has  been  much  re- 
ligious attention  in  the  country  within  a year'f^and  is  much  now  in 
many  places.  You  doubtlefs  have  heard  of  the  glorious  revivals  in 
Pittsford,  Rutland  and  Bennington;  the  attention  began  in  thofe 
towns,  and  has  been  very  great.  Since,  it  has  been  great  in  Dorfct, 
and  of  late,  very  great  in  Benfon,  probably  more  powerful  than  in 
any  part  of  our  land.  It  feemed  to  overpower  the  town  at  once, 
and  a number  of  bold  enemies  have  been  cut  down,  and  bowed  to 
almighty  grace.  I have  feen  many  glorious  awakenings,  but  hare 
never  feen  a more  powerful  work,  than  in  fome  towns  in  this  State- 
It  has  extended  to  the  following  towns,  Hubbcrton,  Cadleton,  Or- 
wcl,  Shoreham,  Weybridgc,  Bridford,  Addifon.  Hynefburgh, 
Sudbury,  Brandon,  Duxbury,  and  Jericho,  and  I have  heard  of 
late,  that  there  is  fome  attention  in  Tinmouth,  Rupert,  and  Sand- 
gate.  A holy  fprinkling  appeals  in  all  thefe  places,  and  in  fome  of 
(hem,  fhowers.  It  is  therefore  a time  of  the  mofl  gracious  vifitation 
among  us.  Oh ! that  we  had  a heart  to  give  God  the  glory  !” 


'Another  Gentleman  writes  to  his  father  thus,  concerning  the  awa- 
kening in  thefe  towns,  “My  laft  informed  you  of  the  good  work  in 
Pittsford,  Weft  Rutland,  and  fomc  other  places,  and  the  hopeful  prof- 
ped  here  (Hubbcrton  ) At  Pittsford,  the  number  hopefully  born 
into  the  kingdom  of  grace  is  200  and  upwards.  At  Weft  Rutland, 
] oo  or  more.  About  one  month  (ince,  there  was  the  found  of  abun- 
dance of  rain  in  Bcnfon,  which  ftill  continues  to  pour  down,  and  it  is 
emphatically  a time  ofrtfrefliing  from  the  prefence  of  the  Lord. 
Converts  fprino  up  from  every  quarter.  The  wildernefs  and  folitary 
places  are  gladTor  them;  and  this  northern  defert  is  made  to  blof- 
fom  as  the  Role.  Saints  feed  on  hidden  manna,  and  join  in  the  joy 
of  angels.  I have  heard  lome  grey  headed  Chriftians,  exclaim  in 
extacy,  11  Lord  now  let  thy  fervant  depart  in  peace,  for  mine  eyet 
have  feen  thy  falvation.”  The  good  Lord,  is  now  by  his  fpirit,  in 
this  ftpful  town.  A greater  (baking,  I never  faw  among  dry 
bones.  O!  pray  for  the  enlargement  and  peace  of  Zion.  May 
her  borders  be  as  extenfive  as  the  globe — her  children,  numerous  as 
the  human  family,  her  peace  as  a river,  and  her  rig’nteoufncfs  as 
the  waters  of  the  'Sea.” 

A perfon  of  intelligence,  who  lately  came  from  Bcnfon  fays, 
there  does  not  appear  to  be  a carelefs  perfon  in  the  town.  It  is  faid 

that  laft  fpring  the  people  had  a town  meeting, and  appointed  a com- 
mittee to  defire  their  minifter  to  leave  the  town.  Very  loon  after 
this,  tne  Lord’s  hand  was  vifible  anrongft  them.  At  Caftleton  there 
is  a promifing  beginning.  Numbers  are  under  deep  impreflions, 
,and  fome  have  obtained  hopes.” — A private  letter  from  Dorfet  fays, 
“ It  is  now  about  eighteen  months  fince  there  Grft  appeared  an  un- 
ufual  attention  to  things  of  religion.  But  nothing  very  extraordi- 
nary took  place  till  laft  fpring,  when  a folemnity  awful  as  judgment, 
feized  the  minds  of  almoft  all  clafies  of  people  in  the  fociety. — 
Since  that  time,  we  have  witnefied  a feene  truly  aftonilhing  and  glo- 
rious! The  mighty  Redeemer  has  rode  forth  conquering  and  to 
conquer.  Almighty  power  and  grace  have  been  glorioufly  trium- 
phant — Such  a day  I have  never  before  witnefied.  The  friends  of 
Jefus  have  been  all  life  and  engagednefs. 

Their  hearts  and  their  mouths  have  been  full.  To  them  indeed 
it  has  been  a remarkably  refrefhing  time.  The  work  has  been  dif- 
tinguifiiingly  ftill  and  regular. Nothing  that  an  enemy  could  call 
enthufiaftic  has  appeared.  Perfons  of  almoft  every  age  have  been 
the  fubjeds  of  the  work  ; but  the  principal  harveft  has  been  among 
the  youths.  In  one  family,  fix  young  perfons  have  been  hopefully 
fnatched  from  the  power  of  Satan,  and  united  to  Chrift. — Forty- 
three  have  been  added  to  our  communion.  Twenty-fix  are  pro- 
pounded; and  there  are  not  lefsthan  fixty,  who  have  manifefted  hopes, 
but  have  not  come  forward. — There  is  a marvellous  work  at  Bee? 


12 


fon  forty  miles  north  of  this;  and  in  feveral  towns  in  that  vicinity. 
Alfo  in  Sandgate,  and  fome  hopeful  beginnings  in  Rupert,  Manclies?  j 
ter,  Wenhall &c.  '1'hefe  things  will  no  doubt  gladden  your  heart. — * 
We  much  need  your  prayers  that  God  would  not  take  from  us 
his  holy  Spit  it. 

Another  who  attended  a facramental  meeting,  writes  from  New 
Connecticut  December  1803.  “ The  facramental  occafion  was 

the  moft  folemn  fcene  I ever  witne/Ted.  I (hall  not, attempt  the  jie- 
fcription.  But  could  you  Sir,  be  prefect  at  fuch  a fcene  as  I there 
law,  however  much  you  have  heard,  I doubt  not  you  would  have  » 
luch  feelings  and  imprelfions  as  you  never  had  before.  The  folem-  M 
nity,  the  imprelfions,  the  evidence  of  the  divine  prefence  were  fuch, 
as  are  not  to  be  told.  1 never  conceived  any  thing  which  appeared  fo 
much,  as  fome  parts  of  the  folemnities,  like  the  judgment  day.' 
The  number  of  communicants  was  about  300.  The  evening  meeting 
was  peculiarly  folemn:  a great  deal  of  that  kind  of  falling,  which 
has  been  common  in  the  revival  in  this  country1. 

The  meeting  continued  till  4 o’clock  in  the  morning.  You  once 
obferved  to  me,  that  you  wilhed  to  have  an  account  o£  theiwork  in 
the  weilern  country,  from  one  who  had  been  an  eye  witnefs,.  and 
who  was  acquainted  with  Connecticut  ideas,  modes , of  thinking 
and  exprelfions. — This  you  have  had  in  a Jetter  from  Mr.  B.  But 
from  that,  and  all  which  I had  heard,  I hadgot  a very  inadequate 
conception. — Accounts  of  things  at  fuch  a mMnce  commonly  are 
general;  but  it  is  from  partichlafs'  that  we  ufually  obtain  accurate % 
ideas. — I have  not  much  knowledge  of  the  prefent  /rate  ofthisi 
work,  except  in  Pennfylvania. — Of  all  the  Congregations  under  V 
the  care  of  the  Synod  of  Titt/burgh,  amounting  to  80  or  90,  there 
are  not  more  than  5 or  6,  which  have  notTrccn  vifited  with  divine 
grace. — I conceive  this  work  in  many  refne&s  to  reiemble  the  great 
revival  of  religion  in  New  England  in  1740  and  1742. — In  extent 
of  territory  it  exceeds  that. — In  moll  or  all  of  the  Societies  which 
arc  vifited.  1 truft  there  is  a good  number  delivered  from  the  reign 
of  fin,  who  will  adore  the  riches  of  fovereign  grace  forever.  The 
mini/Icrs  appear  to  conduct  with  great  moderation  and  propriety. 
People  at  a dillance  may  lay  what  they  will,  but  when  they  come  to 
be  eye  witnefies,  every  reafonablc  man  is  effectually  retrained  from 
declaring  it  to  be  any  thing,  but  the  mighty  power  of  God.  It  is 
proper  to  remai k,  that  this  work  is  in  many  refpcCts  my/Ierious  and 
extraordinary.  And  after  the  mo/I  careful  obfervation,  long  ex- 
perience and  enquiry,  there  are  fome  things  which  cannot  be  un- 
dcr/Iood. 

Is  this  an  evidence  that  it  is  not  the  work  of  God?  It  is,  if  the 
creation  of  matter  from  nothing,  which  is  a my/Iery,  be  an  evi- 
dence that  God  did  not  make  the  world.  But  there  ere  tilings  to  bo 


A 


13 


fee  a which  cannot  be  defcribed.  After  all  that  could  be  told  01 
written,  ^©ui;  conceptions  would  be  far*lhort  of  the  reality;  or  ot 
what  they  would  be,  if  you  could  be  an  eye  witnefs.  With  regard 
to  the  numbers  who  jail,  my  ideas  are  very  incorredl.  By  far  the 
greater  part  of  thole  who  are  fuhjecH  flf  this  work,  fall.  Ot  thole 
, who. hive  been  made  the  lubjedte  of  gtttce,  or  who  have  had  real 
genuine  convid'ftin,  ib  far  as  J have  feen,  at  leal!  two  thirds  or  three 
quarters  fall.^.  But  there  are  many,  w ho  are  evidently  made  fubjedfs 
of  the  work  of  the  {pint,  and  have  deep  and  powerful  ccnvidtions, 
who  do  not  fill!,  and  arc  not  at  all  affected  that  way.  They  gene- 
rally, fuft  fall  under  a convidlion  of  fin.  And  they  fometimes  ob- 
tain comfort  the  fil  l!  timg  they  fall,  but  not  generally.  I have  ne- 
ver heard  of  any  Tailing  once  only.  It  is  commonly  repeated  many 
times. wit  they  obtain  a hope,  and  give  good  evidence  of  a recon- 
ciliation to^kid,  they  rtili  continue  to  fall,  Xjood  people  fall  in 
many  inrtances.  Several  minirters  have,  who  appear  to  be  men  of 
piety.  * Many  people  who  have  been  profeffors  of  religion  for  years 
and  who  have  given  good  evidence  of  a chrilHan  life  and  character, 
have  fallen.  > Eiders  of  the  Churches,  ferious  men,  have  fallen, 
and  .n  fome  inrtances  in  the  exercife  of  public  prayer. 

Perlons  fall  ion  all  occalions,  at  public  woi  (hip  and  at  their  So- 
cieties. ‘Frequently  at  family  prayer,  fometimes  alone,  fometimes 
in  merry  company,  being  fuddenly  ftruck  by  the  truth.  Sometimes 
they  fali  when  they  are  in  their  ordinary  bufinefs  — Perhaps  if  private 
religious'meetings  in  Connecticut  were  conducted  there,  as  they  are 
in  this  part  of  the  country,  and  lefs  for  fpeculation,  they  would 
find  more  evidence  of  the  divine  prefence.  In  the  places  where 
the  work  is,  there  isjcarcely  a time  of  public  v.  orfhin  without  fome 
peifons  falling. — I uTe  the  word  fall  indifcriminately. — I know  of 
no  other  word  fo  proper.  But  the  degrees  of  bodily  affedtion  are 
indefinitely  various. — From  the  leaft  nervous  agitation,  every  grade 
to  the  molt  violent  you  can  conceive;  or  to  a death-like  weaknefs 
and  inadtion.  Some  can  fit  who  cannot  rtand. — Some  muft  be 
held  as  much  as  infants;  fome  as  much  as  perfons  in  high  convul- 
lions. — The  duration  of  the  affedtion  is  very  diverfe.  In  fome  ca- 
fes it  is  but  a few  minutes.  In  others  an  hour  or  two;  and  fome- 
times twenty-four  hours,  or  feveral  days.  Though  they  continue  this 
time  without  fultenance,  they  feel  no  inconvenience  afterwards; 
and  on  their  recovery  are  able  to  attend  to  any  bufinefs. — In  their 
affedhons,  though  they  appear  to  a beholder  to  be  in  the  greateft  bodi- 
ly diftrefs,  they  are  not  fenfible  of  any  pain,  or  any  other  than  mental 
dirtrefs.  There  is  very  rarely  an  inftar.ee  of  any  one  being  fenfible,  at 
the  time  or  afterwards,  of  any  injury  from  the  fall,  however  fevere. 
And  when  they  are  fo  agitated,  that  two  or  threeperfons  have  to  make 
the  greateft  exertions  to  hold  cne,  and  of  courfe  are  held  by  violence, 


u 


they  feel  no  forcnefs  or  inconvenience  whatever  afterwards.  The 
Philofopher  and  cold  profefTor  may  fay  what  they  will,  thefe  things 
are  fads.  And  thefe  are  fome  of  the  fads,  which  render  this  work 
a myftery.  Perfons  of  all  ages  are  fubjeds  of  this  w'ork.  Old, 
middle  aged,  youth  and  children.  Some  children  quite  young. 
Iniidcls,  Philofophers,  Phyficians,  many  remarkable  inflances  of 
lifelefs  profclfors,  the  llupid,  the  thoughtlefs,  and  the  gay. 1 The 
great  inquiry  in  New-England  is,  why  do  they  fall?  For  five 
weeks  that  I was  in  that  quarter,  I took  great  pains , to  enable  my- 
felf  to  anlwer  this  enquiry.  Unrenewed finners,  when  they  fall, 
generally  are  imprelTed  merely  with  a fenfe  of  their  fin  and  danger. 
A fenfe  ol  the  weight  of  fin,  the  wrath  of  God,  the  certainty  of 
his  vengeance,  and  the  pains  of  hell,  when  brought  feelingly  to  their 
view,  come  upon  them  with  a load  too  great  to  be  borne.  They 
fiirink  and  fink  under  its  weight.  Is  this  a matter  of  lurprife?^  Is 
it  not  rather  to  be  wondered  at,  that  awakened  finners  can  ever 
Support  themfelves?  Sometimes,  however,  they  are  ltruck  down, 
as  with  a llroke  of  divine  power,  without  much  previous  reflec- 
tion  Cbrifians,  w'hen  they  are  led  to  a feeling  fenfe  of  the 

goodnefs  and  mercy  of  God;  of  his  long  fuffering  patience;  of 
their  extreme  ingratitude ; their  great  abufe  of  privileges;  the  dan- 
ger of  their  being  deceived  in  their  hope;  the  folemn  account  wmch 
they  mud  render  to  an  omnifcier.t  Judge;  and  their  juftexpofure  to 
eternal  death  ; they  find  themfelves  unable  to  fuflain  the  ptefiure  of 
truth;  but  mull  yield  to  its  weight.  Sometimes  a view  of  the  glo- 
ries of  the  divine  character;  the  wonders  of  fovereign  grace;  the 
riches  of  the  Saviour’s  love;  and  the  glorious  w'ork  of  nun’s  redemp- 
tion, opens  to  them  with  fuch  clearncfs,  that  they  can  no  more  bear 
it,  than  Mofcs  could  a fight  of  God’s  glory.  * Sometimes  a confide- 
ration  of  the  danger  of  finners,  their  infinite  hardr.cfs  and  Ifupiditv, 
and  the  certainty  of  their  being  brought  into  Judgment,  is  more 
than  their  natures  can  bear.  Sometimes  they  fall  inftantaneoufly. 
However  thofe  who  fall  may  be  afFeded,  they  never  lofe  their  fen- 
fes.  Their  minds  appear  to  be  more  a<5!ive  than  ever,  and  all  their 
powers  feem  intent  upon  the  things  of  religion  and  the  interefls  of 
eternity.  They  are  never  in  fo  good  a lituation  to  receive  inltruc- 
tion.  Their  minds  are  fixed,  and  their  memories  uncommonly  re- 
tentive. Many  of  them  fpeak  in  broken  accents  and  half  exprefli- 
ons  in  their  affcdlion,  begging  for  mercy,  deprecating  wrath,  groan- 
ing under  fin,  calling  upon  perifliing  finners,  or  giving  glory  to  God. 
The  impulfe  {cents  to  be  irrefiltable. 

The  Minifters  uniformly  inculcate  the  idea,  that  there  is  no  re- 
ligion in  merely  falling  down.  Indeed  it  appears  to  be  nothing  more 
or  lefs,  than  the  effect  of  the  affeftionsof  the  mind.  Divine  Pro- 
vidence feeir.s  to  have  Angularly  ordered  events  in  fuch  a manner  as 


15 


fo  confound  and  effectually  to  difappoint  all  attempts  which  have  becd 
mad^to  account  for  this  work  from  natural  caufes.  Many  who  have 
made  the  attempt,  have  themfelves  fallen  and  become  fubjefts  ot 
what  they  before  termed  a delufion.  I firmly  believe  this  to  be  a con- 
fpicuous and  glorious  work  of  divine  grace;  and  that  thoufands  of 
immortal  fouls,*  the  fubjeCts  of  it,  will  adore  the  riches  of  divine 
iTiercy  to  eternity.  May  the  Lord  of  all  grace,  carry  on  his  work 
gjprioufly  to  the  honor  of  his  great  name  and  the  enlargement  of 
Zion. 

The  truftees  of  the  Society,  “ unite  with  the  pious  of  all  deno- 
minations, in  devout  afcriptions  of  praife  to  the  God  of  all  mercies, 
and  fountain  of  divine  influences,  for  his  wonderful  operations  on 
the  hearts  of  chriflians,  in  the  various  parts  of  Chriftendom,  in 
difpofing  them,  in  a manner  which  rarely,  if  ever,  was  exemplified 
in  any  age  of  the  world,  to  drive  together  for  the  falvation  of  their 
fellow  men.” — The  miffionary  labors  appear  to  be  arduous,  but  ufe- 
ful,  fernions  are  pfeached  to  deflitute  congregations,  and  in  places 
where  no  religious  ^denominations  whatever  have  yet  been  formed. 

Conferences  are  attended,  many  perfons  young  and  old  baptized, 
and  communicants  .received  into  the  church,  children  have  been 
catechifed  and  intruded,  families  vifited,  the  fick  comforted  and 
divifions  healed.  The  inhabitants  of  the  frontier  towns  have 
been  attentive  to  improve  every  opportunity  of  public  worfhip 
afforded  them,  and  treat  the  miffionaries  with  hofpitality;  many 
exprefs  a high  fenfe  of  gratitude  to  the  Miffionary  Society  and  the 
people  of  Connecticut,  for  the  exertions  they  have  made  for  their 
future  well  being. — In  every  town  there  has  been  occafion  to  thank 
God  and  take  courage. 


The  Xcie-Vor/c  Missionary  Society 

HAVE  greatly  added  to  the  zeal  and  faithful  fervices  of  the 
Heady  labourers  in  the  Lord’s  vineyard.  They  have  been  en- 
gaged in  forming  a plan  for  the  introduction  of  the  gofpel  among 
the  Chickafaw  Indians. — They  have  had  an  able  Miffionary  ir* 
that  nation,  he  arrived  there  fometime  in  the  year  1800. — His 
reception  was  very  cordial,  and  he  has  preached  to  confiderable 
numbers  of  white,  red,  and  black  people.  Decent  attention  and 
a dilpofition  to  become  acquainted  with  the  things  which  be- 
long to  their  peace  appeared  to  mark  thefe  mixed  affemblies. — - 
“ The  committee  fuppofed  much  had  been  gained  by  the  peace- 
ful admiflion  of  this  meffenger  of  grace,  by  fcattering  on  Pagan 
foil,  however  thinly,  the  feed  of  the  living  word ; and  by  exciting  the 
euriofity  and  conciliating  the  confidence  of  the  heathen.” — As  in- 
cidental to  their  principal  objeCt,  they  deemed  the  anxiety  of  the  Irv- 


dians  to  acquire  the  improvements  of  civilized  life,  worthy  of 
attention,  and  ominous  of  good. — Several  of  the  women  frequented 
the  mifiionary’s  family  to  learn  from  the  females,  reading,  fewing, 
knitting,  fpinning,  and  other  domeftic  arts."  Yet  later  experience 
has  rendered  it  neceffary  to  difeontinue  the  million,  as  the  fuccefs 
has  not  been  equal  to  the  expenfe. 

However,  being  encouraged  by  their  firll  undertaking,  having 
been  thus  far  countenanced  by  the  Lord  of  the  harvcll,  the  dire&op 
felt  it  their  duty  to  turn  their  eyes  to  fome  other  quarter,  which 
might  invite  a new  million  : an  event  which  they  cannot  but  ac- 
count providential,  pointed  out  the  North-weftern  Indians,  efpe- 
cially  the  Tufcororas  and  Senecas,  as  the  mol!  proper  objects  of  their 
next  attempt.  Having  found  a gentleman  in  every  refpeft  well 
fitted  for  the  fervice,  they  engaged  him  in  it.  “ All  the  accounts 
which  have  been  received  from  him,  and  of  him,  are  Angularly 
gratifying,  his  reception  by  the  Indians  has  been  refpe&ful  and 
alfeftionate.  As  an  evidence  of  their  temper,  the  following  extract 
from  a letter,  from  a principal  chief,  diftated  by  himfelf  and  writ- 
ten by  his  fon  to  the  millionary,  will  be  very  fatisfaftory. — “ Dear 
Brother,  I am  glad  that  the  Lord  our  God  has  put  it  into  the  hearts 
of  the  Americans  to  fend  Miflionaries  amongft  th^Indians.  < I am 
Jikewife  very  thankful  that  the  alfociation  at  New-York  thinks  of  us* 
yet,  in  this  town.  Dear  Brother  I beg  of  you,  tnat,  you  would  in- 
form the  Million  Society,  that  I give  them  a thoufand  thanks  that  ' 
they  have  taken  up  fuch  honorable  work,  in  fending  a millionary 
among  my  poor  benighted  brethren  in  the  wildernefs. — As  they  now 
begin,  I hope  they  will  keep  on  that  good  work. — I fay  good  work ! 
yes,  I believe  it  is  honorable  and  commendabTe,  I hope  and  pray 
that  their  endeavours  to  fpread  the  gofpel  of  Chrift  among  my  hea- 
then brethren  will  be  bled,  therefore  Dear  Brother,  I bid  you  God 
fpecd,  both  in  your  fpi ritual  and  temporal  journey." 

The  Tufcororas  after  the  arrival  of  the  millionary,  wrote  to  the 
directors  in  New-York;  an  extraft  of  their  letter  follows. — “ Fa- 
thers and  Brothers — we  fiiould  be  very  glad  to  have  our  Father 
Holmes  ( the  millionary  ) to  live  among  us,  or  fome  other  good 
man  that  you  would  fend,  to  teach  us  the  meaning  of  the  beloved 
fpeech  in  the  good  book  called  the  Bible,  for  we  are  in  darknefs,  we 
are  very  ignorant,  we  are  poor,  now  Fathers  and  Brothers,  you 
have  much  light,  you  are  wife  and  rich,  we  feel  much  forrow  for 
our  children. — We  alk  you  Fathers  and  Brothers,  will  you  not 
pity  us  and  our  poor  children,  and  fend  a fchool-malter  to  teach 
our  children  to  read  and  write;  if  you  will,  we  will  rejoice,  we  will 
love  him,  and  we  will  do  all  we  can  to  make  him  happy,  we  are 
poor;  we  cannot  pay  him  in  money,  or  any  thing  elfe.  Fathers  and 
Brothers  hearken!  we  cry  to  you  from  the  wildernefs,  our  hearts 


17 


ache  while  we  fpeak  to  your  ears,  if  any  Indians  (hould  not  open 
their  ears  but  go  in  the  way  of  the  evil  fpirit,  we  pray  you  not  to  be 
difeouraged. — Do  not  flop,  think  poor  Indians  muft  die  as  well  as 
white  men,  we  pray  you  therefore  never  to  give  over  and  leave  poor 
Indians,  but  follow  them  in  dark  times,  and  let  our  children  find 
you  to  be  their  fathers  and  friends  when  we  are  dead  and  no  more.” 
We  and  our  forefathers  have  been  long  under  dark  clouds,  no 
friends  to  help  us  to  know  the  wiU  of  the  good  fpirit,  we  will  now 
believe  you  to  be  our  friends,  we  will  open  our  ears  to  any  good  man 
you  may  lend  among  us,  we  will  ufe  him  kindly.” 

From  South  Carolina  your  committee  are  alfo  informed,  that  the 
work  of  divine  grace  is  prevailing  there,  by  a letter  from  Beaufort, 
dated  the  2 i ft.  October,  1 803.  The  writer  fays  “ I cannot  conceal 
from  you  the  pleafing  intelligence  of  a revival  of  religion  in  this 
place,  and  what  makes  it  more  remarkable  is,  that  rnoft  of  the  fub- 
jefis  of  it  are  perfons  in  the  higher  dalles  of  life,  and  many  of  them 
of  education  and  talents. 

Many  of  our  accomplifiied  young  ladies  have  given  fuch  proof; 
of  the  genuinenefs  of  their  change  of  heart,  that  they  are  admin  . ! j 
our  communion  table.  This  revival  is  unaccompanied  by  any  ex- 
travagance of  manner. — It  (hews  itfslf  by  a rational  conviction  or'  f.n, 
afenfe  of  hardnefs  of  heart,  an  entire  renunciation  of  felf,  ’cither  as 
to  righteoufnefs  or  dependance,  and  a willing  fubjeClion  to  Chrift 
Jefus  as  a prophet,  prieft  and  king  : hitherto  the  work  has  been  ac- 
companied with  correfpondent  fruits,  as  to  change  of  manner  and 
defires  after  more  grace  and  fanftification. — It  (eems  however  at 
this  time  to  advance  (lowly,  tho’  I think  (urely.  It  is  the  more 
remarkable  in  this  place,  becaufe  for  a number  of  years  there  has 
been  a great  negligence  and  coldnefs  in  religion,  and  mere  formali- 
ty at  beft,  except  in  fome  few  cafes.  God  is  thus  working  a great 
work  in  this  our  land. 

It  is  with  great  pleafure  that  the  committee  can  turn  their  eyes  from 
their  own  country  and  behold  the  faithful  labours  of  others  in  the 
one  common  caufe.  In  Great  Britain  chriftians  are  not  idle,  they 
are  daily  (landing  between  the  porch  and  the  altar,  crying  Lord  fave 
thy  people.  In  every  part  of  that  rich  and  populous  lfland,  are 
Mifiionary  Societies,  as  weil  as  various  other  religious  and  charitable 
inftitutions  daily  arifing.  Prayer  meetings  are  held,  congregations  are 
gathered — churches  built,  and  multitudes  eager  to  embrace  the  gof- 
pel.  Their  periodical  religious  publications  give  many  accounts  of 
the  prevalence  of  a true  fpirit  of  piety  and  unanimity  among  all 
denominations  of  proteftants  in  advancing  their  common  faith. — 
The  labors  of  the  society  in  Scotland  have  been  of  late  much 
blefled  in  the  North  of  Ireland,  Shetland,  Orkney,  and  the  weftern 
Jflands;  and  in  many  places  where  the  uncorrupted  golpel  has  not 

c 


I 8 


feeen  heard  for  many  years,  the  people  in  general  received  the  vrfits 
of  the  itinerating  minifters  with  thankfulnefs,  and  eagerly  folicited 
a renewal  of  them.  There  has  been  a confiderable  weak  in  Dunk- 
field,  where  it  is  hoped  that  145  perfons  have  experienced  the 
power  of  divine  grace.  At  Aberfeldie  57  perfons  profefs  to  have 
experienced  the  fame.  In  the  diflriCt  of  Kentyre,  which  is  repre- 
fented  as  having  been  in  a deplorable  fituation,  the  labours  of  the 
miffionary,  though  much  oppofed;  have  been  greatly  owned.  In 
Caradil  upwards  of  30  have  given  fatisfying  evidence  of  their  con- 
verfion  to  God.  Public  dances  are  generally  given  up,  and  public 
houfes  almoft  forfaken.  Here  fome  of  the  profefibrs  were  feverely 
tried,  being  required  to  leave  their  farms,  or  renounce  their  new 
connection — they  readily  gave  up  their  farms,  rather  than  their  paf- 
tor,  and  Providence  foon  appeared  in  their  behalf : near  100  per- 
fons became  members  of  the  church.  In  Dumbartonfhire,  the 
miniller  who  fpeaks  Gtelic,  has  been  heard  with  great  attention  and 
apparent  advantage  by  crowds  of  people.  The  report  from  which 
this  account  is  taken  addrefies  their  members,  “ Brethren  the  pre- 
fent  times  are  favourable  to  Chriffian  exertions  beyond  any  former 
period.  Civilization  and  Commerce  have  opened,  enlightened  and 
conne&ed  the  world  in  a very  remarkable  manner.  •*  Say  ye  not 
that  there  are  yet  four  months,  and  then  cometh  harveft  ? Behold 
I fay  unto  you,  lift  up  your  eyes,  and  look  on  the  fields  for  they 
are  white  already  to  harveft!”  Now  there  is  an  opportunity  of  reap- 
ing a fpiritual  harvcll;  and  he  thatreapeth,  receiveth  wages  and  ga- 
thereth  fruit  unto  eternal  life.  “ What  aftonifiiing  motives  do  the 
Scriptures  of  truth  every  where  exhibit  to  lead  us  to  humble  confi- 
dence, to  holy  diligence  and  unremitted  activity,  in  the  woikof 
the  Lord.” 

By  the  printed  account  of  the  Cor  ref  ponding  Board  in  London , 
connected  with  the  Society  for  propagating  chriftian  knowledge  in 
the  Highlands  in  Scotland  it  appears  that  they  have  nearly  fixteen 
thoufand  children  under  iriftruCtion;  and  that  they  are  engaged  in 
publifhing  an  edition  of  xoooo  copies  of  the  old  Teftament  in 
Gaelic. 

The  London  Missionary  Society 

WAS  formed  in  1795,  by  a number  of  Miniflers  of  all  de- 
nominations, who  at  their  firfl  meeting  fubferibed,  themfclves, 
^750  Sterling  as  donations,  and £50  per  annum.  The  foie  ob- 
ject of  this  inftitution  was  “ to  fpread  the  knowledge  of  Chrifl 
among  the  heathen,  and  other  unenlightened  nations.”  After 
holding  a conference,  at  which  a very  great  number  of  both  Clergy 


9 


and  Laity  attended,  they  obferve,  “ thus  concluded  the  folemn 
fcrvices  of  the  conference,  long,  very  long  to  be  remembered  by 
thoufands;  all  appearing  to  unite  in  this  fentiment,  it  was  never  fa 
feen  in  our  Ifrael.” — Some  of  the  miniders  finding  fo  large  an 
Affembly  pafs  a refolution  with  cheerful  unanimity,  that  a Mis- 
sionary Society  was  desirable , could  not  for  a time  proceed,  for 
tears  of  joy. — The  granded  object  that  ever  occupied  the  human 
mind,  the  falvation  of  fouls,  was  prefented  in  fuch  a variety  of  views, 
and  in  fo  (hiking  a manner,  by  the  preachers,  that  every  lerious  per- 
fon  awoke  as  from  a dream,  filled  with  furprife  that  fo  noble  a de- 
fign  had  never  before  been  attempted  by  them,  and  longing,  by  fu- 
ture exertions,  to  redeem  loll  opportunities  — Many  Miniders,  who 
before  doubted  whether  the  Lord’s  time  for  fuch  an  attempt  were 
come,  are  now  completely  fatisfied,  and  join  with  equal  ardor  in  a 
caufe,  fo  glorious.  The  great  numbers  who  attended  as  delegates 
from  various  parts  of  the  Kingdom  ; the  multitudes  who  thronged 
the  larged  places  of  worfhip  in  London;  the  countenance  and  libe- 
ral donations  of  the  wealthy;  the  appearance  of  fo  many  Miniders 
in  one  place,  and  in  foconfpicuousafituation;  were  grand  and  plea- 
fing;  the  fuitablenefs  of  the  Hymns,  and  the  fervor  with  which 
they  were  fung;  and  above  all  the  mod  evident  and  uncommon  out 
pouring  of  the  fpirit  on  the  Miniders  in  their  fermons  and  prayers, 
impreffed  the  whole  congregation,  with  a folemnity  and  pleafure 
not  ufual  even  in  religious  affemblies,  and  condrained  them  all  to 
fay,  This  is  anew  Pcntccojl;  nor  was  it  a doubt  with  any,  whether 
the  Lord  was  among  them  or  not. 

Another  confideration,  that  rendered  thefe  feafons  unfpeakably 
delightful,  was  a vifible  union  of  miniders  and  chridians  of  all  de- 
nominations; who  for  the  firfl  time  forgetting  their  party  prejudices 
and  partialities,  affemblcd  in  the  fame  place;  fung  the  fame  hymns; 
united  in  the  fame  prayers,  and  felt  themfelves  one  in  Chrid. — Such 
a feene  was,  perhaps,  never  before  beheld  in  our  world,  and  afford- 
ed a glorious  earned  of  that  nobler  affembly,  where  we  (hall  meet 
all  the  redeemed,  and  in  the  prefence,  and  before  the  throne  of  the 
Lamb,  (hall  fing  as  in  the  bed  hymn  of  the  fervice  ; crown  him, 
crown  him,  crown  him  Lord  of  all! 

Thus  commenced  this  important  fociety,  and  their  fruits  have 
been  in  fome  meafure  agreeable  to  fo  fair  a beginning. — They  have 
fince  been  deeply  impreffed  with  the  affedting  obfervations  of  the 
converted  among  the  heathen,  upon  their  attempts  to  carry  the  gof- 
pel  among  them.  A Hottentot  woman  who  had  been  effectually 
called  to  the  falvation  of  Jefus,  obfevved  to  the  Miflionary  ‘‘that it 
was  a great  pity  and  a great  fin,  that  they  who  fo  long  enjoyed  great 
plenty  of  the  bread  of  life,  did  not  give  one  crumb  to  the  poor  hea- 
then ; but  that  God  was  very  good,  who  had  forgiven  this  great  firr- 


20 


and  had  bleffed  the  little  bit  they  had  lately  giren,  fo  much;  and 
row  (he  hoped  that  chridians  would  fin  no  longer  againd  God,  in 
withholding  the  bread  of  life,  but  would  abound  in  giving  it  more  and 
more.”  The  Society  therefore  confidered  themfelves  as  they  did 
every  chridian,  called  upon  to  aft  their  part ; and  that  they  could  not 
without  criminality,  withhold  their  exertions  towards  procuring  obe- 
dience to  the  command  of  Chrid,  who  fays  “ go  ye  into  all  the 
world  and  preach  the  gofpel  to  every  creature.”  In  1799  they  ob- 
tained the  aid  of  three  Miffionarics — who  arrived  at  the  Cape  of  Good 
Hope,  juft  as  a deputation  of  three  bofchemen,  the  mod  favagc  and  fe- 
rocious of  the  heathen  of  that  country,  arrived,  earneftlv  requcding 
that  fome  good  men  might  be  fent  to  indrudt  them.  The  Miffion- 
ary confidered  this  as  a call  of  God  to  vifit  the  poor  Hottentots, 
and,  furprifing  to  tell,  two  of  them  travelled  500  Miles  North  Ead 
of  the  Cape  into  the  wildernefs,  to  Zaak  river,  paffing  mountains  that 
appeared  almod  inacceffible,  and  being  fometimes  7 days  without  fee- 
ing a human  face  but  their  own  company,  and  expofed  to  Lions 
and  Tigers  which  infefl  the  woods  of  that  country,  from  whofe  de- 
vouring Jaws  they  were  feveral  times  mod  providentially  preferred. 
Suffice  it  to  fay,  that  they  were  receiv  ed  by  thefe  wretched  heathen 
with  joy.  They  found  them  living  among  the  rocks,  where  they  dig 
a fmall  round  den,  about  3 feet  deep,  which  they  cover  with  reeds. 
Here  they  flcep  away  their  time  till  roufed  by  hunger,  when  they 
filly  forth  to  hunt  wild  beads,  and  when  unfuccefsful,  they  fubfid  on 
fn.ikes,  mice  and  wild  onions.  The  Miffionary,  at  fit  fl,  was  obliged 
to  te  ptthe  people,  at  large,  to  attend  him  by  giving  them  tobacco 
which  they  are  very  fond  of.  He  began  by  preaching  fydematically 
to  them,  but  he  found  it  in  vain.  He  then  followed  the  example 
of  the  Moravians,  fimpiy  preaching  the  love,  and  death  of  Jefus 
Chrid,  and  inviting  them  to  come  to  him  that  they  might  have  life. 
His  labors  were  foon  bleffcd.  His  fird  fruit  was  a mod  notorious 
offender  This  man  was  convifted  of  fin,  convinced  of  his  lod 
date  and  found  mercy.  He  lived  but  6 months  after,  but  his 
experience  was  wonderful.  His  heart  was  wholly  taken  up  with 
the  love  of  Chrid,  fo  that  he  could  fcarcely  bear  to  fpeak  of 
worldly  things,  and  he  died  rejoicing  in  the  Lord,  faying  to 
his  teacher,  “ I die  depending  on  the  blood  and  righteous- 
nefs  of  Chrid:  I go  to  heaven,  and  there  I will  wait  for  you.”  His 
fon  who  came  a great  didance  to  fee  his  dying  father,  was  alfo  con 
verted,  and  became  a fchoolmadcr.  The  Mifiionary  foon  after  be- 
gan to  have  his  fpirits  much  elated  when  he  would  walk  in  the  fields, 
and  find,  fcattered  here  and  there  prodrate  on  the  ground,  feveral 
of  his  congregation;  and  fome  with  a child  in  each  hand,  pouring 
out  their  fouls  to  God  in  the  mod  lively  and  copious  drains. — .When 
he  had  been  with  them  about  four  years,  he  vilitcd  his  friends  in 


21 


Europe  ; at  which  time.  “ he  had  baptized  about  34.  adult  perfons 
and  50  children.  He  had  a ftated  congregation  of  about  600  per- 
fons, in  a great  meafure  civilized  and  dwelling  together.  The  peo- 
ple are  univcrfally  changed  and  have  become,  literally  as  well  as  fpi- 
ritua lly  new  creatures.  They  who  were  fo  filthy  that  a civilized 
perfon  could  fcarccly  approach  them,  are  now  clean ; in  (lead  of  be- 
ing naked,  or  only  covered  with  a dirty  fltceplkin,  they  are  now  de- 
cently cloathed;  and  thofe  who  knew  not  there  was  a God,  are  be- 
come devout  worlhippers  of  God,  and  fervent  lovers  of  Jefus  Chrift; 
indullrious  and  obliging,  bringing  up  their  children  in  the  fear  of 
the  Lord.” 

Three  of  this  congregation  went  to  London  with  the  Millionary, 
and  on  a careful  examination,  gave  great  fatisfaftion  to  the  fociety. 
They  lang  a Hymn  before  a large  congregation,  the  literal  tranllation 
of  which  in  prole  follows.  “ O Zion’s  king!  Thou  fon  of  God, 
exalted  on  the  father’s  throne ! I cart  myfelf  down  before  thee,  and 
pray  for  (pirit  and  for  life,  for  thy  church  and  dear  bride,  living 
here  on  earth,  at  a dirtance  from  her  divine  lover,  her  head,  her 
comfort,  the  prince  of  life;  for  whom  flie  ever  and  forever  longs. 
Oh  ! that  I now  might  find  thee. 

Moll  of  all,  O king  of  Zion!  I implore  thee  for  fo  many  dead 
fouls!  Oil!  make  thy  people  to  fall  down  before  thee  by  thy  fpirit. 
By  thy  power  draw  all  thofe  unto  thee,  for  whom  thou  did  ft  fay, 
“ it  is  finilhed!”  make  the  deaf  ear  to  hear  the  voice  of  thy  power 
and  of  thy  glory,  that  it  may  be  faid  of  Zion  “ this  and  that  man 
was  born  there.” 

Fountain  of  life!  almighty  God ! it  is  the  fpirit’s  influence  we  crave! 
Oh!  exert  the  power  of  thy  love  upon  the  hearts  of  many  men! 
Bring  Tyrians,  Philiftines,  and  Moors  by  the  word  and  the  fpirit 
into  the  right  way,  and  let  hell  tremble  at  thy  work!  Refcue  by 
thy  divine  power  the  veflels  of  grace  from  fatan’s  might,  and  bid  the 
dead  to  live!” 

It  is  eafier  to  conceive  than  to  deferibe  the  facred  pleafure  which 
filled  the  minds  of  a large  aflembly  of  Chriftians,  when  they  thus 
beheld  “ Ethiopia  ftretching  forth  her  hands  to  God,”  and 
heard  fome  of  Afric’s  tawny  race  finging  the  praifes  of  our  common 
Lord.” 

The  following  is  an  extract  of  a letter  from  a Bofcheman  woman, 
to  the  Miffionary  in  London ; “ moreover  I take  the  liberty  of  telling 
you  that  the  Lord  converts  many  people  atRodezand  ; which  proves 
the  greateft  comfort  and  fupport,  as  it  feems  here,  that  the  time  is  now 
come  when  the  Lord  fhall  pour  out  his  bleffing  over  the  whole  world 
and  draw  all  poor  finners  unto  himfelf.” 

Through  the  inrtrumentality  of  the  London  Miffionary  Society 
many  thoufands  of  the  heathen  in  Africa  are  now  liftening  te  the 


22 


joyful  found  of  the  gofpel ; and  more  than  a few  who  were 
afar  off,  are  brought  near  by  the  blood  of  Chrid.  On  a full  view  of 
what  this  Society  has  done,  it  appears,  that  they  have  fent  out 
about  ioo  preachers,  98  of  whom  have  received  education  for  the 
miniflry,  by  whom  the  glad  tidings  of  falvation  are  announced  in 
many  places,  where  the  being  of  a God  was  not  known,  or  even 
heard  of. 

Even  France  has  not  been  forgotten.  During  two  years  the  Lon- 
don Miffionary  Society  have  been  endeavouring  to  build  on  the  ru- 
ins of  the  papacy  there , the  divine  edifice  of  pure  chridianity;  and 
as  the  mod  powerful  means  for  that  purpofe  within  their  reach  was 
the  circulation  of  the  holy  fcriptures,  they  determined  to  confecratc 
a part  of  their  funds  to  this  object. — Reflecting  alfo  on  the  awful  ef- 
fects of  infidelity,  they  judged  it  might  be  of  great  ufe,  to  connect 
with  the  fcriptures,  a vindication  of  their  divine  authority.  This  im- 
portant fervice  has  been  atchieved  in  the  mod  fatisfaCtory  manner 
by  one  of  their  highly  refpeCted  members.  The  Society  went  far- 
ther, and  fent  a deputation  to  France,  to  difperfe  thefe  books,  and 
to  know  the  real  fituation  of  that  numerous  people.  The  impor- 
tance of  this  bufinefs  was  manifed,  from  the  deputation  having  found 
it  difficult  to  procure  a Angle  copy  of  the  French  Bible  in  Paris  ; 
and  they  were  informed,  this  was  equally  the  cafe  in  Italy.  Great 
effects  throughout  France  are  likely  to  arife  from  having  a protes- 
tant  minidry  there.  At  Befan^on  in  the  fouth,  and  at  Arras  in  the 
North,  where,  dll  lately,  no  protedants  were  to  be  found,  applica- 
tions for  protedant  minifters  and  churches  have  been  made  and  fign- 
ed  by  12,000  perfons  at  the  former  place,  and  near  as  many  at  the 
latter.  And  although  many  churches  have  already  been  given  to 
the  protedants,  900  congregations  are  dill  deditutc,  both  of  church- 
es and  paftors.  Even  in  Belgium,  the  fame  difpofition  appears. 

On  opening  a Protedant  chapel  at  Abbey  Ardennis  in  Normandy, 
previous  to  the  publication  of  the  concordat  between  the  Pope  and 
Buonaparte,  a very  refpe&able  congregation  attended.  The  increafe 
lince,  has  exceeded  the  mod  fanguine  expectations.  And  no  fooner 
was  the  Concordat  publiffied,  than  the  chapel  was  fo  much  over 
crowded,  that  more  than  200  perfons  were  obliged  to  dand  dur- 
ing tire  fervice,  the  feats  being  all  filled.  In  many  parts  of  the  re- 
public, and  particularly  in  the  fouth,  large  bodies  ofthe  Inhabitants 
have  publicly  demanded  of  the  prefects  of  their  refpeCtive  depart- 
ments, to  be  provided  with  a church  and  Protedant  miniders. 
Thefe  are  good  figns  of  the  times,  and  may  tend  to  oblige  all  de- 
nominations of  chridians  tcv  greater  purity  of  conduCt,  and  more  at- 
tention to  the  effential  principles  of  the  gofpel.  Our  informant  adds, 
“Great  and  marvellous  are  the  events  of  our  days.  A believer  in  the 
prophecies  cannot  but  feel  himfclf  more  and  more  intereded  in  the 


great  fcenes,  which  are  evidently  introducing  that  new  era,  we  arc 
taught  to  expert  lhall  immediately  commence — all  concur  in  afford- 
ing delightful  animation  to  the  mind,  that  with  an  eye  of  faith,  con- 
templates the  wifdom  and  goodnefs  of  the  divine  being,  who  is  con- 
ducting the  univerfal  family  of  mankind  to  improvement  and  happi- 
nefs;  and  fitting  them  for  everlafting  glory  hereafter.” 

“ There  is  nothing,  it  is  faid,  which  more  furprifes  a Granger  at 
the  prefent  moment  in  France,  than  the  rage  for  religious  publica- 
tions of  every  defeription.  The  prefs  literally  groans  with  books  of 
devotion.  The  Secpticifm  of  the  revolution  has  loft  its  charms, 
aDd  even  the /*•///  mailre  is  fighing  for  the  pleafure  of  devotion.” 
The  report  above  mentioned  concludes  thus:  “with  fincere  fatif- 
faiftion,  they  recognize  the  zeal  and  fucccfsof  other  Societies  aiming 
at  the  fame  ftupendous  object,  earneftly  uniting  their  common  fup- 
plications  with  the  chriftian  world  at  large,  that  the  bleffmg  of  hea- 
ven may  attend  them  all.  They  cherilh  the  hope  that  thefe  arc  all 
effects  of  a divine  impulfcon  the  mind,  and  part  of  the  arrangements 
of  an  infinitely  wife  and  unerring  plan,  which  has  determined  the 
ultimate  renovation  of  the  world  after  a long  feafon  of  darknefs,  de- 
pravity and  diforder,  and  is  now  introducing  the  dawn  of  that  glo- 
rious period  which  is  the  favourite  theme  of  prophecy  and  the  grand 
confolation  of  the  chriftian  church.  While  they  endeavour  to  pro- 
mote the  approach  of  this  defirable  feafon  by  every  means  in  their 
power,  we  chearfully  refer  the  event  to  him  who  has  referved  the 
times  and  the  feafons  in  his  own  hands;  who  preGdes  over  the  vaft 
concerns  of  the  univerfe,  and  who  can  command  all  its  powers,  in- 
.telle&ual  or  material,  to  accomplilh  his  pleafure,  and  fulfil  his  word.” 
Among  other  inftances  of  joyful  converfion  of  finners  to  God  in 
London,  the  Committee  mud  mention  that  of  Mr.  Frey,  a Jew,  now 
preparing  for  Miffionary  labours.  He  preached  a fermon  to  the 
Jews,  on  1 3 May  1803,  at  Sion  chapel,  from  Gen.  xiii.  8.  “ And 
Abraham  faid  unto  Lot,  let  there  be  no  ftrife  I pray  thee,  between 
me  and  thee:”  and  a prodigious  congregation  were  colle&ed,  among 
whom  were  about  200  of  the  children  of  Abraham  according  to  the 
flelh.  They  feemed  well  pleafed. 

The  Baptist  Association,  or  Missionary  Society, 

HAVE  been  alfo  very  fuccefsful  in  their  labors  of  love,  ef- 
pecially  in  India;  where  they  have  united  with  other  denominations 
in  carrying  the  gofpel  to  that  numerous,  fuperftitious,  and  idolatrous 
people. — To  give  fomo  idea  of  the  work  of  God  carrying  on  there 
by  their  means,  the  following  extracts  of  letters  received  by  a wor- 
thy gentleman  of  this  City,  and  fome  others  in  Europe,  from  that 
country,  tho’  lengthy,  are  inferted. 


24 


Dinsgepore  March  ijth,  1803. 

“ The  Rev.  Mr.  Gerickc,  a Mifiionary  upon  the  coaft  of  Ma- 
labar,  writes  to  a friend  in  Calcutta,  that  he  has  lately  baptized  2700 
perfons  on  the  coaft.  This  is  indeed  the  Lord’s  doings,  and  it  is 
marvellous  in  our  eyes.  The  Million  at  Serampore  is  not  without 
fuccefs,  for  our  little  Church  is  by  the  divine  blefiing  increafing. 
Mr.  Carey  has  lately  baptized  two  Hindoos,  one  of  them  a Brah- 
min, the  firft  of  that  call:  that  has  embraced  the  gofpel. 


Calcutta  Aug  31,  1802. 

From  Mr.  Carey  a principal  Miffionary  in  India. 

A mod  encouraging  circumftance  has  lately  occurred,  and  which 
has  much  ftrengthened  our  hands.  About  3 months  ago,  three 
mufliilmen  came  from  a diftance  to  heat  the  gofpel,  and  requefted 
that  one  of  us  wouia  pay  them  a vilit;  which  we  promifed  them  to 
do  after  the  rainy  fealon,  when  the  pafiages  by  water  would  be  open. 
About  fix  weeks  fince,  one  of  them  deputed  by  the  reft,  came 
again,  to  condudit  any  of  us  who  would  go.  Brother  Marfhman  was 
the  only  one  who  could  undertake  fo  long  a journey,  and  a better 
could  not  have  been  chofen  for  the  purpofe. 

The  place  where  they  live,  is  in  the  diftridl  of  Je fibre  near  the 
river  Jsamuty.  On  his  arrival  he  found  about  200  perfons  who 
have  for  feveral  years  rejected  their  call.  They  arc  Mufiulmen  and 
Hindoos,  formerly  of  various  calls.  They  were  convinced  of  the 
folly  and  wickednefs  of  both  the  Hindoo  and  Muflulman  faith,  but 
confefied  that  they  were  ignorant  of  what  was  right;  and  hearing  of 
us,  they  were  very  defirous  ofknowing  the  gofpel.  Brother  Marlh- 
man’s  reception  among  them  exceeded  all  expectation.  Many  were 
gathered  together,  ready  to  hear  the  word  when  he  arrived,  having 
had  previous  notice;  and  they  did  it  with  a kind  of  pleafure  and 
eagernefs  feldom  feen  in  this  country.  They  defired  us  to  write  to 
them  and  to  vifit  them — promiling  to  vifit  us  when  they  can.  In 
Ihort  a hopeful  profpe<51  prefents  itfelf.  In  returning  home,  Brother 
Marfhman  got  intelligence  of  another  body  of  Hindoo  diflenters 
whom  he  determined  to  vifit.  He  did  fo ; and  found  that  at  another 
place  about  a day  ’s  journey  nearer  home,  there  are  at  leaft  2000  per- 
fons who  have  publicly  renounced  their  call.  They  received  him 
with  great  pleafure,  and  were  dclirous  of  feeing  him  again. 

The  late  opening  in  the  Eaftern  part  of  the  country  more  than 
balances  all  our  diftrefles.  They  have  a Society  of  upwards  of  200 
perfons,  who  have  rejcdlcd  all  worfiiip  of  Idols,  and  all  honor  to 
Mahomet;  and  what  is  more,  they  rejeCt  many  of  the  vices  which 


25 


other  natives  praiflicc  with  an  unblufhing  countenance.  Since  they 
have  known  us,  the  whole  body  of  this  people  have  received  the 
Bible  as  the  word  of  God:  They  meet  together  to  read  it  and  to 
pi  ay ; and  intend  to  ered  a place  for  themfelves  where  they  can  meet 
tor  worfhip.  They  now  alfo  call  themfelves  chriftians  and  efteeni 
us  as  their  brethren.  We  really  hope  that  fome  of  them  are  truly 
converted;  and  all  of  them  whom  I have  feen,  appear  to  be  feri- 
oufly  inclined.  I trull  that  e’er  long  they  will  have  a golpel  church 
formed  among  them.  I was  furpriled  to  fee  with  what  facility  they 
could  turn  to  any  place  of  feripture:  they  did  not  feem  to  be  more 
at  a lofs  to  lind  a pafTage,  than  a perfon  would,  who  had  been  ac- 
cultomcd  to  the  Bible  all  his  days.  The  doflrine  of  the  Trinity  is 
peculiarly  abhorred  by  the  Muflulmen ; and  thefe  people  held  a coun- 
cil, which  lulled  three  days,  to  conlider  whether  this  dodrine  could 
be  admitted  or  not.  It  ended  with  an  univerfal  acknowledgment 
of  it;  yet  leaving  it  as  a myltery,  in  the  fame  manner  as  chriflians 
do  in  general.” 


Another  from  the  same. 

Calcutta,  Odobcr  6,  1803. 

The  number  of  our  church  members  is  now  39,  and  we  are  in 
hopes  of  receiving  another  native  by  baptifm  before  long.  Of  this 
number  25  are  natives. — The  fure  promifes  of  the  word,  the  all 
fufficiency  of  the  divine  power,  the  energetic  zeal  of  the  Lord  of 
Holts,  and  his  ulual  way  in  providence  feem  to  encourage  our  hopes, 
and  excite  us  to  perfevere  in  the  work. — This  country  is  extremely 
populous,  the  valt  numbers  of  perfons  in  Calcutta  alone,  mult  ex- 
ceed your  ideas.  I fuppofe  that  few  ftreets  in  London  are  fuller, 
if  fo  full  of  people,  as  the  ftreets  of  this  town;  yet  in  all  this  place, 
and  indeed  in  the  country,  I fear  the  number  of  truly  converted 
perfons  will  fcaicely  exceed  ioo  It  is  truly  a melancholy  thing, 
to  go  along  the  Itreets  and  meet  thoufands  of  people,  without  being 
able  to  indulge  the  hope  that  fome  of  them  may  be  converted  peo- 
ple. Here  the  harveft  is  great  and  the  labourers  are  few  indeed. 
O may  the  Lord  of  the  harveft  fpeedily  fend  labourers  into  this 
harveft. — Surely  it  is  not  too  much  to  hope  that  God  will  raife  up 
gifts  among  the  converted  natives,  and  among  the  youths  who  are 
educated  under  us,  and  who  are  likely  to  fpend  their  days  in  this 
country.  We  hope  in,  and  bend  our  attention  to,  this  defired  ob- 
ject; but  muft  wait  till  the  allwife  God  give  the  blefling.  We 
have  a fecond  edition  of  the  Bengalee  New  Teftament  in  the  Prefs. 
The  firft  edition  will,  in  all  probability,  be  difpofed  of  before  this 
is  printed  off.  I think  we  have  given  away  about  40  copies  a month 
ever  fince  it  has  been  pubiillied. — The  accounts  from  America  have 


26 


gladdened  our  hearts;  and  not  only  encouraged  us,  but  other  Evan- 
gelical  Minifters  in  this  country;  and  we  have  fome  times  hoped 
that  the  fpirit  may  thus  be  poured  out  upon  India,  or  rather  this  part 
of  India,  for  a work  fomewhat  fimilar  was  carried  on  upon  the  coal! 
(of  Malabar)  lad  year,  under  the  minidry  of  the  Rev.  Mr.  Gerike 
and  fome  native  laborers  in  thofe  parts. — Some  thoufands  rejected 
heathenifm,  broke  and  dedroyed  their  Idols,  fitted  up  the  old  Tem- 
ples for  chridian  worfhip,  and  were  formed  into  gofpel  Churches. 
They  have  (ince  had  great  perfecution ; but  the  Lord  has  preferved 
them  faithful  to  himfelf.” 


Alfo  from  Mr.  Carey. 

Calcutta,  Odtober  25  1805. 

“ Yederday  I had  thepleafure  to  baptize  a Brahman  who  is  from 
Adam,  and  is  the  fird  fruits  of  that  country  to  the  Lord.  This 
is  the  26th  perl'on  whom  we  have  baptized  from  among  the  heathen; 
and  we  have  reafon  to  fay,  that  with  the  exception  of  two  perfons, 
all  of  them  give  us  pleafure  in  a greater  or  lefs  degree ; and  are  ac- 
counted by  us  as  the  excellent  ones  of  Bengal.  Of  thefc  perfons 
two  have  been  removed  by  death.  The  fird  was  murdered,  fuppo- 
fed  by  thieves — but  the  other,  left  a fweet  favour  behind  him : I 
never  recoiled  to  have  feen  more  of  the  chiidian  exhibited  on  a death 
bed,  than  in  the  cafe  of  this  man — his  deady  hope  in  Chrid — the 
chearfulnefs  of  his  mind  till  the  lad,  and  the  favour  of  evangelical 
truth,  which  he  condantly  difeovered  in  his  talk,  through  an  illnefs 
of  near  three  months,  have  left  a deep  impredion  upon  the  minds  of 
all  thofe  who  furvived  him.  His  name  was  Gokool.* 

It  is  time  now  to  be  up  and  doing.  The  time  is  fliort.  Souls 
are  precious — opportunities  multiply,  and  every  opportunity  of  doing 
good  to  others,  either  by  fpeaking  or  writing,  or  by  any  other  rae- 

* By  another  letter  dated  17  Odtober  Mr.  Carey  fays.  Gokool  died  of  a 
lingering  difeafe,  a hectic  fevc  r,  and  we  h.sd  many  opportunities  to  fee  his 
whole  carriage  during  his  afllidlion,  and  in  the  article  of  death,  which  was 
highly  futisfadlory,  and  beautifully  marked  with  a calm  and  firm  reliance  on 
Chrift.  Gokool  was  by  nature  a man  of  the  molt  violent  paflions  and  noted 
for  turbulence  and  every  thing  hateful,  before  his  converkon.  If  any  thing 
could  mark  the  efficacy  of  divine  grace,  I think  the  latter  part  of  his  life  did, 
and  efpecially  his  death.  We  had  purchafed  a burying  ground,  but  a few  days 
before,  in  which  he  was  interred.  A vaft  number  of  people  attended,  and 
wc  have  reafon  to  hope  that  the  impreflion  made  on  them  was  not  unfavoura- 
ble to  the  gofpel.  There  are  two  more  Hindoos,  concerning  whom  we  hope 
well.  I expedt  to  baptize  one  of  them  next  Lords  day,  who  is  a Brahman 
from  the  extreme  part  of  Bengal,  or  rather  belonging  to  an  independant  Raj  ill 
on  the  North  Eaft  of  Bengal, 


27 


fhod,  has  a loud  voice  to  us  all.  May  we  be  enabled  to  make  ufc 
of  thefc  feafons,  to  the  honor  and  glory  of  our  God-’’ 


Seram  pore,  November  17,  1803. 

“ God,  I believe  will  carry  on  his  work  in  this  country  ; the  lea- 
ven is  already  at  work.  Many  are  thinking  and  fome  are  convert- 
ed. Succefs  indeed  at  prefent  is  not  greatly  apparent,  but  we  trull 
that  Jehovah  willarife  fpcedily.and  build  up  Zion,  and  appear  in  his 
glory.*’ 


The  following  is  an  Extrail  of  a Letter , from  Mr.  Gerike  himself, 
elated  Vaparry , Jan.  1 8th,  1803. 

I wrote  to  you  lad  from  Seringapatam  ; fince  that  time  1 have 
experienced  great  hardfliips,  and  alfo  lingular  mercies.  When  in 
my  journey,  I came  near  to  the  extremity  of  the  peninfulas,  I found 
whole  villages  waiting  anxioufly  for  my  coming,  to  be  further  indrudt- 
ed  and  baptized.  They  had  got  acquainted  whith  our  native  pried 
in  that  country,  and  the  catechids  and  chridians ; and  had  learned, 
from  them,  the  catechifm,  which  thofe  who  could  wiite  copied,  to 
learn  it  themfelves,  at  their  leifure. 

When  they  heard  of  my  coming,  they  broke  their  Idols  to  pieces, 
and  converted  their  temples  into  chridian  churches;  in  which  Iin- 
drudted  and  baptized  them;  in  fome  about  zoo,  in  others  near  goo; 
formed  them  into  chridian  congregations;  procured  for  them  Cate- 
chids and  fchool-maders;  and  made  them  choofe,  in  each  place, 
four  elders.  Thefe  examples  awakened  the  whole  country ; and 
when  I was  about  to  leave  it,  the  inhabitants  of  many  more  villages 
fent  meflages  to  me,  begging  me  to  remain  a couple  of  months  longer 
in  their  country ; and  to  do  in  their  villages,  the  good  work  I had 
done  in  thofe  of  their  neighbours.  Since  that,  there  have  been  in- 
drudled  and  baptized  2700  people  more,  and '18  congregations 
more  have  been  formed.  Among  thefe  new  converts,  are  feveral 
'Chiefs,  all  very  zealous;  and  one  of  them  travels  about,  preaching 
thegofpel. — Since  my  return,  fome  of  the  heathen  of  that  country, 
xrld  enemies,  have  dirred  up  a perfecution  againd  them.  By  a let- 
ter Cnee,  from  that  country,  I am  informed  of  the  good  news,  that 
the  perfecution  had  abated  in  feveral  places ; and  that  the  chridians 
who  had  been  confined,  had  been  honorably  acquitted.” 


23 


Serampore  Oct.  u.  1803. 

“ There  has  not  been  any  great  work  apparent  here,  but  yet  it 
has  been  evidently  progrefling.  Since  our  arrival  1 r natives  have 
made  a profeffion  of  chriftianity  by  baptifm.  Among  whom  are  three 
Brahmans.  Thefe  have  been  colledlcd  not  by  our  endeavours;  but 
evidently  by  the  gracious  providence  of  God.  Some  have  heard 
from  others — others  have  obtained  information  from  papers;  and 
others  have  accidentally  called,  as  they  paffed  by  and  heard  the 
words  of  life  from  our  brethren  ; and  thus  have  been  led  to  enquiry, 
which  we  hope  has  ended  in  their  thorough  converfion  to  God  It 
rouft  be  remarked  that  not  one  of  thefe  people  belonged  to  Serampore, 
but  all  came  from  a diftance,  and  fome  widely  a part  from  each 
other.  From  the  Eaft  and  from  the  Weft — and  from  the  North 
and  from  the  South  will  God  gather  in  his  eledl,  and  drew  that  it 
is  not  by  might  nor  by  power,  nor  by  an  arm  of  flefh,  but  by  his 
own  fpirit,  that  his  work  is  to  be  accompliflied.  Brother  Krilhno  is 
perhaps  the  moft  ufeful  in  this  way.  Inquirers  are  entertained  at 
his  houfe  and  he  fpends  much  of  his  time  in  converfing  with  them, 
for  which  he  is  eminently  qualified.  He  is  an  experienced  chrifti- 
an,  and  a very  valuable  and  ufeful  man.  He  is  the  firft  Brahman 
who  was  baptized.  He  is  gone  with  brother  W — to  Dinagepore. 
Brother  W — writes  fome  very  pleafmg  things  concerning  him — one 
is,  his  proficiency  in  fpeaking  and  difputing  with  the  natives.  God 
has  been  pleafed  to  remove  our  brother  Gokool  by  death,  from  the 
church  militant,  to  the  church  triumph  at ; of  this  he  gave  abundant 
teftimony  both  during  a lingering  illnefs  and  in  the  article  oi  death. 
His  hope  was  W'holly  in  Chrift  and  fupported  by  this  he  pafled 
through  the  valley  of  the  fliadow  of  death  and  feared  no  evil.  We 
have  been  vifited  by  fome  people  from  a place  about  500  miles  dis- 
tant called  Lockfeel,  who  have  given  us  great  hope.  They  had  been 
here  before ; and  our  brethren  have  at  different  times  vifited  them. 
They  are  intelligent  people,  much  above  the  common  rank.  They 
read  well  and  try  to  underftand  all  they  read,  are  devoted  enemies  to 
Hindooilm  and  Mahometanifm,  and  very  great  adepts  in  difputation 
on  thefe  points.  They  fay  that  their  minds  are  made  up  refpedting 
chriftianity — they  are  fure  that  it  is  the  true  and  right  way ; and 
in  it  alone,  they  expedl  pardon,  and  depend  wholly  on  the  death  of 
Chrift  for  falvation.  Some  thing  of  a worldly  nature  hinders  them 
from  making  a public  profelTion  by  baptifm,  which  gives  us  forrow 
and  damps  our  riling  expeditions.'’ 

Schools  are  inftituting  in  many  parts  of  the  country  for  Englifli, 
Portuguese  and  Hindoo  childtcn,  and  the  Bible,  with  many  other  pi- 
ous Books,  is  printed  in  the  Bengalee,  Ilindoftanee,  Perfian  and 
Maharata  languages. 


29 


In  Ceylon,  an  1 (land  containing  more  than  loopro  Inhabitants, 
a great  work  is  alfo  carrying  on.  The  britifh  pofleflions  are  divi- 
ded into  4 diffriifts  — thefe  are  divided  into  counties,  which  are  fub- 
divided  into  parilhes.  In  every  parifh  is  a protcffant  fchool,  where 
the  youth  are  inftnnfled  in  reading  and  writing  their  own  language, 
and  in  the  piinciples  of  chriflianity.  Over  every  io  fchools  is  ap- 
pointed one  catechiff,  whofc  bufinefs  it  is  to  perform  a vifitation  one* 
a month  to  enquire  into  the  conduft  of  the  teachers ; to  examine 
the  progrefs  made  by  the  fcholars,  and  to  exhort  them  to  induftry 
and  diligence.  In  each  of  the  lefler  diftrifts  is  effablifhed  a native 
officiating  preacher,  who  has  been  examined,  and  performs  divine 
fervice  in  one  of  the  churches  or  fchools  every  Sunday  &c.  In 
each  of  the  principal  diftriiffs  are  one,  two  or  three  clergymen  who 
have  been  ordained  in  Europe.  Each  has  the  iuperintending  charge 
of  a certain  number  of  fchools,  to  which  he  performs  a vifitation 
once  a year,  and  adminiffers  the  no! y communion.  Some  of  the  na- 
tive preachers  and  catechifls  ; re  really  men  of  principle  and  abilities, 
and  are  extremely  ufeful.  By  the  lull  returns,  there  were  nearly 
170  fchools  and  upwards  of  4200.''.  profefling  proteffant  chriffians. 
The  number  of  chriffians  profefling  the  religion  or  the  church  of 
Rome  was  very  great.  There  are  15  pieffs  on  the  Iffand,  who 
are  indefatigable  in  their  labors,  and  are  daily  making  profelytes. 
The  doctrines  of  thole  who  have  been  educated  by  the  Dutch  are 
purely  calviniffic  and  their  fermons  evangelical. 

A Britifh  Millionary  has  alfo,  in  a great  meafurc,  fuccecdcd  in 
eftabfiflfing  a million  in  Affracan  in  Perfia.  He  writes  from  Corafs 
Befhnaw  near  Geotghieufk  under  date  of  27  January  1803.  “ I 

have  met  with  a degree  of  profperity  in  my  undertaking,  that  makes 
me  afraid — Providence  has  enabled  me  to  do  more  than  ever  I me- 
ditated. We  have  fixed  ourfelves  in  a village,  which  feparates  the 
Tartars  from  the  Cabordians  who  inhabit  a great  part  of  Caucafus. 
This  place  in  which  we  are  fettled,  is  on  the  frontier  of  the  Ruffian 
empire,  but  properly  in  the  Circaflian  country.  We  travelled,  un- 
der the  favour  of  an  open  letter  from  the  emperor  of  Rufiia  to  his  go- 
vernors &c.  by  the  way  of  Mofcow,  Sarepta  Affracan  &c.  about  3000 
Verfts  to  the  place  where  we  now  are.  It  is  within  a few  days 
journey  of  Perfia  and  Bokkaria  and  within  50  miles  of  Turkey. 
Although  I doubt  not  the  Society  for  Millions  to  Africa  and  the 
Eaff,  have  already  fufficient  engagements,  yet  may  I not  venture  to 
afk,  whether  they  might  not  ranfom  a few  Tartar  youths  ? fnould 
any  of  them  prove  pious,  they  might  afterwards  do  much  in  propa- 
gating the  gofpel — you  cannot  conceive  the  refpeft  and  attention  a 
Tartar  or  Circaflian  would  meet  with,  who  underffood  the  Arabic, 
Turkifh,  Perfian  and  Tartar  languages  well.” 


30 


The  Church  of  the  United  Brethren, 

Commonly  called  Moravians,  have  alfo  ffiewn  a zeal  and  ac- 
tivity in  their  reader’s  fervice,  that  deferves  well  of  every  friend  to 
the  falvation  of  men.  They  have  had  greater  fuccefs  among  the 
heathen  of  various  denominations,  and  particularly  among  the 
Northern  Indians,  than  any  other  proteftant  fe<d  of  Chriftians  what- 
ever. 

The  number  of  perfons  employed  by  them  in  millions  to  various 
parts  of  the  world,  Hood  thus  in  1802, 


In  the  Danilh  Weft  India  Settlements.  Miflionaries. 

Illands,  they  have 6 32 

In  Antigua 3 17 

In  St.  Kitts . * . . 1 4 

In  Jamaica. 3 8 

In  Barbadoes.  ........  1 2 

In  Tobago.  . 2 

In  Greenland 3 1 6 

In  Labrador 3 25 

In  Quebec  and  Newfoundland.  . . 3 3 

Among  the  Indians  in  North  America.  3 1 9 

In  South  America 4 24 

Among  the  Hottentots,  at  the  1 

Cape  of  Good  Hope.  j • • 4 

In  the  Ruffian  part  of  Afia.  . . . 1 2 

Near  Tranquebai  in  the  Eaft  Indies.  . 1 2 

37  166 


At  the  clofe  of  the  year  1800,  the -Congregation  of  native  Indi- 
ans at  Hoop  in  Surinam,  in  South  America,  confided  of  208  per- 
fons, 169  baptized,  84  communicants,  39  not  yet  baptized;  alfo 
at  New  Bombay  in  the  fame  country  49  free  Negroes,  1 7 of  whom 
are  communicants. 

The  lad  letters  from  Surinam  fay,  “ The  work  of  God  proceeds, 
though  not  rapidly,  yet  with  a manifed  bleffing  upon  the  labors  of 
our  brethren.  In  all  the  four  fettlements  they  arc  carneftly  and  di- 
ligently engaged  in  inviting  poor  lod  finners,  to  hear  and  believe  the 
gofpel  of  their  redeemer.  At  Paramaribo  1 6 adult  negro  flaves  had 
Been  baptized  from  January  to  the  end  of  September  1802.  This 
year  the  believing  negroes  in  the  three  Iflands  of  St.  Thomas,  St. 
Croix  and  St.  Jan  confided  of  10,276  fouls.  One  of  the  brethren 


31 


writes  from  Jamaica  under  date  of  January  1803.  “ I went  to  brother 
Letter  to  Ifland,  where  on  the  laft  day  of  the  year,  I had  the  plea- 
fure  in  the  evening  to  meet  about  40  negroes,  who  were  ranged  in 
great  order  on  the  floor  of  the  Hall,  and  littened  very  attentively  to 
my  difcourfe.  May  our  Lord  grant  that  this  new  year  may  prove  a 
period  of  renewed  grace  and  mercy  both  for  us  and  our  negroes,  that 
a true  hunger  and  third  after  him  and  his  word  may  be  occitcd  in 
their  hearts. 

The  Committee  are  forry  to  fay,  that  fince  the  mod  promifing  ap- 
pearances in  favour  of  the  people  of  colour  in  this  Ifland,  laws  have 
been  made,  making  it  highly  criminal  for  any  but  minitters  licenced 
according  to  law  to  preach  to  the  blacks,  and  as  much  lo,  for  the  blacks 
to  Lar;  which  has  put  a flop  to  this  glorious  work  for  the  prefent  ” 

The  brethren  in  their  account  of  Millions  fay,  that  their  fimple 
motive  in  fending  Miflionaries  todiftant  nations  was,  and  remains,  an 
ardent  defire  to  promote  the  falvation  of  their  fellow  men,  by  making 
known  to  them  the  gofpel  of  our  faviour  Jefus  Chrift  They  were 
grieved  to  hear  of  fo  many  thoufands  and  millions  of  the  human  race 
fitting  in  darknefs  and  groaning  beneath  the  yoke  of  fin  and  the  tyran- 
ny of  fatan ; and  believing  the  glorious  promifes  in  the  word  of  God, 
that  the  heathen  Ihould  become  the  reward  of  the  bufferings  and  death 
of  Jefus;  they  confidered  his  commandments  to  go  into  all  the  world 
and  preach  the  gofpel  to  every  creature,  as  given  to  all  his  followers ; 
they  were  filled  with  confident  hopes,  that  if  they  alfo  went  forth  in 
obedience  unto,  and  believing  in  his  word,  their  labor  would  not  be 
in  vain  in  the  Lord.  They  accordingly  went  forth  in  the  ttrength  of 
their  God,  and  he  has  wrought  wondeis  in  their  behalf.  From 
very  fmall  beginnings,  the  miflions  of  the  brethren  have  encreafed  to 
above  thirty  fettlements  in  different  parts  of  the  earth,  in  which 
about  x6o  Miflionaries  are  employed,  who  have  the  care  of  upwards 
of  24000  converts  from  among  the  heathen.” 

The  Million  among  the  Hottentots  at  the  Cape  of  Good  Hope, 
was  begun  by  a man  remarkable  for  his  zeal  and  courage,  who  labored 
fuccefsfully,  till  he  had  formed  a fmall  congregation  of  believers. 
When  the  Miflionaries  firft  arrived  in  the  country,  at  the  place  called 
Bavians  Kloof  in  1792,  it  was  a barren  uninhabited  place.  There 
were  in  the  year  1 800,  five  married  Miflionaries  refiding  there,  and 
1300  Hottentots  of  the  congregation. 

At  Cape  Town  the  number  of  the  converted  heathens  is  ccnfi- 
derable,  who  raanifeft  the  power  of  the  fpirit,  not  only  in  the  pub- 
lic worfhip  but  in  their  intercourfe  among  themfelves  ; fo  that  while 
the  declenfion  of  zeal  for  the  caufe  of  Jefus  among  many  profeflors 
is  lamented,  his  holy  name  is  daily  mere  and  more  adored  among 
the  Heathen. 


32 


At  Stillenbock  about  20  miles  from  cape  Town,  feveral  poor  hea- 
then have  joyfully  embraced  the  Saviour  of  finners,  and  manifefted  in 
their  experience  the  genuine  marks  of  a divine  work  ; and  one  of 
them  on  the  near  expe&ation  of  her  departure  into  the  eternal  Hate, 
expreffed  the  moft  comfortable  perfuafion  of  her  perfonal  intereft  in 
the  love  of  Jefus,  and  the  redemption  procured  by  his  death.  The 
Miffionary  has  alio  opened  a fchool  here  for  the  children  of  the  Hot- 
tentots, in  which  he  has  about  30  children. 

At  another  ftation  in  Waggonmakers  valley,  after  much  oppofi- 
tion  from  perfons  calling  themfelves  chriftians,  by  the  aid  of  Gov. 
Dundas,  who  greatly  countenanced  the  undertaking,  a fettlement 
has  been  effected,  and  the  Miffionary  expreffies  his  hope  that  he  be- 
gins to  fee  the  work  of  the  holy  fpirit.  He  fays  “ that  at  their 
rnonthlv  prayer  meetings,  when  we  bow  our  knees  before  the  throne 
of  grace,  the  Hottentots  cry  out,  we  thank  God  that  you  are  come 
to  us.  Many  of  the  flaves  exprefs  a great  reverence  for  the  gofpcl, 
and  rejoice  that  they  hear  of  a crucified  Saviour,  Twenty  of  them 
are  now  learning  the  alphabet.  Thirty  can  fpell,  and  five  can  read, 
and  are  learning  the  catechifm.  There  are  feveral  other  ftations 
occupied  by  Miffionaries.  One  of  them  is  atZaak  River,  which  is  about 
19  days  journey  (or  3CO  miles)  from  the  Cape,  where  the  gofpel 
is  attended  with  confiderable  effect.  Another  is  at  Graff  Reinet 
near  the  limits  of  the  Colony  towards  Caffraria,  where  a confiderable 
number  of  heathen  are  hearing  the  word  of  life.  About  three  years 
ago  a Miffionary  arrived  in  Africa,  when  a deputation  from  a people 
called  the  Corannas,  who  live  about  five  weeks  journey  on  the 
great  Orange  River,  arrived  at  Cape  Town,  earnellly  defiring  that 
fome  good  man  might  be  fent  to  inftruft  them.  This  the  Miffion- 
aries confidered  as  a plain  call  to  vifit  the  poor  wild  Hottentots. — 
They  accordingly  fet  off,  and  with  incredible  labor  and  fatigue 
reached  the  place,  having  travelled  feven  days,  through  a country 
almoft  without  a blade  of  grafs,  living  on  Off  rich  eggs,  and  with- 
out feeing  a human  creature. 

Here  they  began,  among  the  Hottentots,  Corannas  and  Briquas; 
but  afterwards,  on  the  invitation  of  a confiderable  number  of  Hot- 
tentots, they  removed  eight  days  journey  lower  down  the  River. 
They  were  met  half  way  by  the  heathen,  to  their  mutual  joy,  and 
found  among  them  a general  defue  for  inffrudtion.  The  Millionary 
has  about  800  under  his  care,  and  lias  been  gratuitoufly  fupplied 
with  as  much  provifions  as  were  neceffiiry.  He  has  been  but  about 
fix  months  with  them,  yet  20  of  them  had  began  to  read,  fomc 
could  fpell  and  others  were  learning  the  alphabet.  Spiritual  impres- 
fions  feem  to  have  been  alfo  made  on  fomc  of  them  ; and  great  hopes 
are  entertained,  that  thefe  meafures  will  prove  the  moft  powerful 
means  of  civilizing  the  natives  and  tranquillizing  the  Colony. 


33 


Another  Miffionary,  who  is  a native  of  Mozambique,  and  had 
been  fold  as  a Have  and  carried  into  the  Cape,  had  been  awakened 
by  the  preaching  of  the  gofpel  by  one  of  our  Miflionaries,  fo  as  to 
render  it  effedtual  to  his  falvation.  This  young  man,  already  free 
in  the  Lord  Jefus,  the  Society  redeemed  from  civil  bondage,  and  is 
preparing  to  be  fent  to  the  extenfive  region  of  Mozambique.  The 
Society  has  the  llronged  reafon  to  believe  that  many  thoufand  hea- 
thens in  Africa  are  now  hearing  the  gofpel  of  falvation  from  the  lips 
of  thofe  Miflionaries  who  have  been  fent  out  by  the  Society. 
Among  many  of  the  chridians,  they  obferve  an  energy  unknown  and 
unexerted  before;  a time  of  refrelhing  from  the  prefence  of  the  Lord, 
the  effefts  of  which  are  felt  to  the  extremities  of  the  Colony. 

Sarepta  near  Czarina  on  the  Wolga  in  Ruffian  Alia,  was  built 
chiefly  with  a view  to  bring  the  gofpel  to  the  Calmuck  Tartars  and 
other  heathen  tribes  in  thofe  vad  regions.  Hitherto  little  or  no  fuc- 
cefs  has  attended  the  brethrens  labors,  though  their  exertions  have 
been  great  and  perfevering  ; and  equal  to  thofe  of  any  of  our  Mis- 
fionaries  in  other  countries.  Some  brethren  even  refided  with  them, 
conforming  to  their  manner  of  living  in  tents,  and  accompanying 
them  wherever  they  moved  their  camps.  They  omitted  no  opportu- 
nity of  preaching  unto  them  Jefus,  and  direfling  them  from  their 
numberlefs  Idols  and  wretched  fuperllition,  to  the  only  true  God, 
and  the  way  of  life  and  happinefs : but  though  they  were  heard  and 
treated  with  civility,  no  impreffion  could  be  made  upon  the  hearts 
of  thefe  heathen  : but  the  German  Colonids  on  the  Wolga  received 
them;  they  formed  Societies  amongd  them,  and  fo  anfwered  a very 
beneficial  purpofe. 

The  Society  alfo  have  a Million  in  Newfoundland,  of  which  a 
Miffionary  lays,  “ The  Lord  has  bleffed  his  efforts  in  a degree  that 
has  feldom  been  heard  of  in  a fimilar  fituation.  Twenty-eight  per- 
fons  have  been  formed  into  a church  of  Chrid — fourteen  others, 
chiefly  young  men,  joined  datedly  in  public  prayer  together,  and  at 
lead  half  that  number  of  young  women  are  apparently  under  fpiri- 
tual  concern. 

Two  Millions  have  been  alfo  edablilhed  at  Quebec  and  the  Bay 
Chaleur.  Much  oppolition  has  been  met  with  here  from  thofe  who 
bear  the  chridian  name,  and  yet  both  Millions  feem  to  be  attended 
with  beneficial  effedts.  Theprincipal  Miffionarywrites.  “that  there  are 
fome  precious  fouls,  whom  charity  and  their  pious  conduft  and  devout 
breathings,  oblige  him  to  believe  that  they  have  been  brought  out 
of  nature’s  daiknefs,  into  the  marvellous  light  of  the  gofpel — and 
that  he  has  great  hopes  a good  work  is  going  forward  among  them. 

The  mod  flourilhing  Millions,  at  prefent,  are  thofe  in  Greenland, 
Antigua,  Saint  Kitts,  the  Danilh  Wed  India  Illands,  and  the  Cape 
of  good  Hope.  A new  awakening  has  appeared  of  late  among  the 

8 


34 


Arrowwacks  and  free  negroes  in  South  America.  The  Efquimaux 
on  the  coaft  of  Labrador,  and  in  Barbadoes — and  the  lateft  accounts 
give  the  mod  pleafing  hopes  in  thofe  parts.  Several  attempts  to 
carry  the  gofpel  into  other  parts  of  the  earth,  made  by  the  brethren, 
have  not  fucceeded — as  to  the  Laplanders  and  Samojedes — on 
the  coaft  of  Guinea — to  the  flaves  in  Algiers — to  Perfia — to  Egypt. 
Indeed  in  upper  Egypt  there  was  a profped  of  being  ufeful  among 
the  Copts,  who  have  been  vifited  for  fome  years. 

The  brethrens’  general  pradice  is,  to  preach  the  gofpel  to  all 
heathen  to  whom  they  have  accefs,  and  every  foul  is  invited  to  be 
reconciled  to  God  through  the  atonement  made  by  Jefus  Chrift. 
Befides  the  public  telfimony  of  the  gofpel,  the  Mifiionaries  are  di- 
ligently employed  in  vifiting  and  converfing  with  the  heathen  in  their 
dwellings.  If  they  are  awakened  to  a fenfe  of  their  undone  Hate 
by  nature,  and  of  their  want  of  a Saviour,  and  apply  for  further  in- 
ftrudion,  giving  us  their  names,  they  are  called  New  People,  and 
fpecial  attention  is  paid  to  them.  If  they  continue  in  their  earneft 
defire  to  be  faved  from  the  power  of  fin,  and  to  be  initiated  into 
the  chriftian  churches  by  holy  baptifm,  they  are  confidered  as  can- 
didates for  baptifm  ; and  after  previous  inllrudion,  and  a conveni- 
ent time  of  probation,  they  are  baptized.  If  they  then  prove  by 
their  walk  and  converfaticn  that  they  have  not  received  the  grace  of 
God  in  vain,  and  defire  to  be  admitted  to  the  holy  communion, 
they  are  firll  admitted  to  be  present  as  fpedlators,  and  then  confi- 
dered as  candidates  for  the  communion,  and  after  fome  time  become 
communicants.  A free  man  or  (lave  who  ads  contrary  to  the  mo- 
ral precepts  contained  in  the  Bible,  is  excluded  either  from  the 
Lord’s  supper  or  the  meetings  of  the  baptized,  or  even,  in  certain 
cafes,  from  all  fellowfhip  with  the  congregation;  for  no  fituation, 
or  prevalency  of  cuftom,  can  fandion  a pretext  for  any  kind  of  dis- 
obedience to  the  rule  of  Chrift.  Such  are  not  readmitted  until 
they  have  given  fatisfadory  proofs  of  true  repentance.  .Millions  of 
late  have  been  uncommonly  expenfive,  from  feveral  concurring  cau- 
fes,  and  their  funds  reduced,  but  as  God,  whofc  work  it  is,  has 
never  failed  to  fupport  it,  a grateful  fenfe  of  his  favour  produces 
faith  and  confidence  in  him.  As  to  the  manner  of  preaching  the 
gofpel  to  the  heathen,  the  brethren  have  by  long  experience  found, 
that  the  word  of  the  crofs  is  the  power  of  God  unto  falvation,  to 
all  men  that  believe.  They  therefore  immediately  preach  Jefus  and 
him  crucified  ; lowing  the  word  in  tears,  with  patience  and  cou- 
rage, knowing  that  they  lhall  hereafter  reap  with  joy. 

The  Committee  are  indebted  to  the  various  perodical  publica- 
tions of  the  different  Inllitutions,  for  thefe  accounts  ; on  wnofe 
veracity,  and  chiefly  in  whofe  words,  they  have  made  this  fliort 
abflrad. 


35 


An  affedting  account  of  the  fuccefs  of  the  united  brethren  among 
the  fable  children  of  Africa,  is  clofed  by  the  authors  of  the  evange- 
lical magazine,  with  this  addrefs,  which  is  thought  worthy  of  repeti- 
tion. “ What  chriftian  can  pcrufe  this  affedling  narrative  without 
blefiing  God,  who  to  our  black  brethren  hath  vouchfafed  this  abun- 
dant grace?  And  who  can  refrain  from  blefling  God.  who  excited 
the  Moravian  church  to  thefe  labours  of  love;  and  who  hath  fo  won- 
derfully fucceeded  their  apoftolic  efforts?  Who  that  hath  tailed 
that  the  Lord  is  gracious,  will  refufe  the  aid  of  his  heart,  his  hand 
and  his  purfe  in  promoting  miflionary  exertions,  fo  honored  of  our 
God  and  Saviour? 


Ext  rads  from  tivo  letters  from  the  Rev  d.  Gideon  Blackburn, 

( ading  under  the  authority  of  the  General  AJfembly  of  the  Presbyte- 
rian church  in  the  United  States,  as  a Miffionary  to  the  Chero- 
kee Indians,  J to  the  Revd.  Dr.  Alhbel  Green,  Chairman  of  the 
Committee  of  Mijfons. 

Maryville,  Nov.  2,  1803, 

Revd.  Sir, 

YOU  have  no  doubt  been  waiting  with  confiderable  anxiety 
to  hear  from  me  on  the  fubjedt  of  my  million.  I did  not  wilh  to 
write  until  I Ihould  have  it  in  my  power  to  fay  fomething  decifive 
on  the  fubjedt.  Immediately  on  my  return  to  Tennefiee  I took  every 
oppoitunity  of  converfation  with  the  leading  charadters  of  the  nation 
on  their  vifits  to  our  fettlement,  and  ffated  to  them  my  wilhes. 
Some,  I could  not  fee,  I addrefled  by  letter,  in  order  to  prepare  their 
minds  for  giving  the  propofals  publicity.  By  information  from  Col. 
Meigs  I found  there  was  to  be  a general  meeting  of  the  nation  on 
the  15th  Sept,  near  fouth  weft  point,  about  forty  miles  from  this 
place.  I attended,  but  the  Indians  hadpoftponed  the  meeting  to 
the  15th  Odt.  Finding  it  wmuld  give  dignity  andrefpedt  to  the  in- 
ftitution  to  have  the  fenfe  of  the  nation  on  the  fubjedt,  I wrote  a 
circular  letter,  requefting  an  anfwer  on  that  head  at  their  meeting. 
At  the  time  propofed  I again  attended,  and  met  a general  alfem- 
bly  of  the  chiefs,  and  a confiderable  number  of  the  people,  in  all 
near  2000.  The  council  wras  held  in  a grove,  on  the  Indians  land, 
on  the  fouth  of  Tenneffee  river. 1 made  my  propofal  in  an  ad- 

drefs: on  the  20th  the  Indians  took  it  into  ferious  confideration 
that  evening  and  night,  and  in  full  council  the  next  day  rendered 
their  anfwer  in  the  following  words,  viz.  “ We  approve  of  a fchool 
being  eftablifhed  in  our  nation  under  the  fuperintendance  of  the  Revd. 


36 


Mr  Blackburn,  and  hope  much  good  will  be  done  by  it  to  cur  peo- 
ple: two  years  are  allowed  in  the  firft  place,  that  we  may  have  an 
opportunity  to  fee  what  progrefs  our  children  make  under  the  in- 
druftion  of  the  teachers,  and  we  will  fend  fome  of  our  children  to 
the  fchool,” 

THE  GLASS. 

Speaker  for  the  Nation. 

Atted, 

RETURN  J.  MEIGS. 

A place  was  agreed  on.  The  place  chofen  by  the  chiefs  as  mod 
fuitable  to  their  convenience,  is  near  a town  called  Highwaflee. 
near  forty -five  miles  in  the  Nation.  I have  procured  a teacher,  of 
refpeftable  charafter,  approved  morals,  and  drift  piety. 

The  didance  of  the  fchool  from  the  fcttlement  made  it  necedary 
for  the  teacher  to  live  in  the  Nation  : I therefore  preferred  one  with 
a family  : — one  is  obtained,  who  has  a decent  companion,  and  one 
child  : — he  has  entered  into  bond,  and  given  fufficicnt  fecurity  for 
his  performance. 

The  fchool  will  be  attended  with  confrderable  expence,  and  im- 
menfe  trouble  and  labor  ; but  1 hope  God  will  direft  to  refources,  and 
enable  to  bear  the  fatigue.  The  advantage  to  the  Nation,  and  the 
caufe  of  God,  will,  1 trud,  fully  repay  every  exertion  to  promote 
the  inditution.  To  fee  thoufands  of  immortals,  capable,  by  improve- 
ment, to  vie  witlr  a Boyle,  a Bacon , and  a Newton,  buried  in  the 
fhades  of  favage  ignorance,  and  cleditute  of  the  means  of  enlighten- 
ing, would  infpire  the  mod  doical  mind  (if  religious)  with  apodo- 
lic  defires  to  refeue  them  front  their  native  ignorance  and  favage  wild- 
nefs.  However  I am  fully  p^rfuaded  there  is  not  a Nation  of  In- 
dians on  the  Continent,  which  promifes  fairer  to  reward  the  pious 
exertions  of  generous  benefaftors,  than  the  Cherokee  Nation. 

Befor  e Chridmafs,  I flatter  myfelf,  every  thing  will  be  ready  to 
begin  the  fchool.  One  of  the  great  obdacles  to  be  fit  mounted  will 
be  the  wild  and  didant  difpofition  of  the  young  Indians  : this  mud 
be  engaged  by  allurements:  perhaps  a few  fmall  books,  to  be  given 
to  them,  might  be  of  ufe. — Should  this  defideratum  be  fupplied,  and 
a few  others  fuited  to  the  undertaking  be  forwarded,  it  would  evident- 
ly materially  ferve  the  Million. 

I red  aflured  we  have  your  mod  ardent  prayers,  and  thofe  of  your 
Society  for  our  fuccels  and  will  expeft  your  friendly  communications 
toaflid  in  the  difeharge  of  the  inportant  trud. 

The  Prcfident,  the  Agent,  and  all  the  officers  of  government  are 
much  pleafed  with  the  defign,  and  engaged  to  promote  the  underta- 
king by  every  kind  office  in  their  power, — but  unlefs  God  build  the 
houfe  the  workmen  will  drive  in  vain. — May  God  grant  his  aid,  af- 
ford his  affidance,  and  receive  entirely  the  ptaife!” 


37 


Maryville,  April  12,  1804.’’ 

After  immcnfc  labour  and  fatigue  I got  all  things  ready  for  open- 
ing the  Indian  fchool  on  the  21ft  February.  The  mailer  had  been 
under  pay  from  December;  and  had  been  at  the  place,  making  ne- 
celfary  arrangements — obtaining  an  acquaintance  with  the  language, 
and  familiarizing  himfelf  with  the  children.  On  the  full  day  there 
came  eleven  fcholars;  on  the  8th  of  March  there  •werejixfeen  ; on 
the  27th  there  were  twenty ; and  feveral  more  are  cxpeCtcd  in  a few 
days, — as  foon  as  I can  get  clothing  ready  for  them. 

The  children  behave  pall  expectation ; and  I am  perfuaded  that 
by  a difeipline  well  balanced  by  inducements  and  well  timed  autho- 
rity, they  can  be  kept  in  as  good  order  as  any  fehoul  on  the  conti- 
nent. 

Their  proficiency  is  very  remarkable:  the  fir  fl  day  feveral  of  them 
could  dillinCtly  pronounce  half  of  the  alphabet;  by  the  8th  of  March 
all  of  them  could  fay  their  letters,  backward  and  forward . and  could 
cafily  know  them  w'herevcr  they  could  fee  them;  and  three  could 
fay  their  ab.  They  continue  their  progrefs;  and  I flatter  myfelf 
that  their  proficiency  will  exceed  the  moll  fanguine  expectations. 
Two  boys  who  have  been  taught  in  the  feitlement,  are  now  at  fchool, 
and  are  beginning  to  write. 

The  activity,  attention,  and  care  of  the  mailer  delerve  the  high- 
ell  notice. 

I have  fpent  three  months  in  clofe  fervicc  to  the  inllitution,  be- 
fides  numberlefs  attentions  I am  obliged  to  pay  to  it  at  home. 
The  interell  I feel  in  carrying  this  bufinefs  into  efifeCt  would  fecure 
my  exertions,  Ihould  I receive  no  pecuniary  returns  from  any  perfon 
on  earth.  I have  pledged  myfelf  to  the  nation,  and  my  property  is 
at  Hake  on  the  iflue  of  the  undertaking. 

I found  it  necefiary  to  engage  in  the  bufinefs  on  a large  fcale, 
which  involves  confiderably  more  expence  than  at  firfl  I had  calcu- 
lated:— the  cloathing  and  boarding  I found  unavoidable:  without 
this  they  could  not  eafily  be  weaned  from  favage,  and  introduced 
into  civilized  habits ; nor  could  they  have  been  continued  at  fchool, 
had  they  been  boarded  in  Indian  families.  The  Indians  were  not 
fafficiendy  fenfible  of  the  advantages,  to  fubmit  to  the  expence?  of 
the  inllitution.  I have  therefore  raifed  a tolerable  large  houfe  with 
two  fires,  in  which  they  are  both  boarded  and  taught,  and  thus  are 
conllantly  under  the  eye  of  the  mailer. 

Enclofed  are  the  moll  material  directions  which  I have  given  to 
the  teacher.* 

In  every  converfation  I have  had  with  the  chiefs,  I have  inculcated 
the  ideas  of  fettling  in  farms  and  cultivating  the  foil:  I think  a very 
fhort  period  will  bring  this  about. 

* Theie  immediately  follow  this  letter. 


38 


The  exigence  of  a fuprcme  being  is  almod  univerfally  acknowledg- 
ed, and  they  admit  his  agency  in  matters  of  importance. 

They  are  remakably  fond  of  hidorical  fketches  ; and  in  this  way 
might  eafily  be  indru&ed  in  the  hidory  of  the  Bible.  Should  a nui-i- 
ber  of  gentlemen  of  talents  and  leifure  publifh  a work  in  the  form 
of  a magazine  to  anfwer  this  end,  and  devote  it  to  the  ufe  of  the 
fchool,  I am  perfuaded  it  would  ferve  the  caufe  of  God. 

The  chiefs  of  the  Nation  are  pleafed  with  the  thought,  that  their 
children  fhould  be  taught  to  do  bufinefs  like  the  white  people. 

A few  days  ago  I received  a very  earned  requed  from  the  princi- 
pal chiefs  of  the  lower  diflri<ft  of  the  Nation  for  a fchool  to  be  edablifh- 
ed  among  them.  This  would  be  attended  with  lefs  expence,  as  a 
few  refpedlable  white  men  live  near  that  place  who  would  board  the 
fcholars  free,  and  contribute  confiderably  for  fchooling  their  own  chil- 
dren. 

Shall  it  be  faid  by  future  writers  of  the  hidory  of  America,  that 
once  there  exilted  a Nation  of  Indians,  confiding  of  upwards  of  eight 
thoufand  fouls;  but  they  are  funk  to  ruin  for  want  of  information, 
though  begging  for  the  means  of  civilization  from  a rich,  an  enlight- 
ened, and  a chridianized  republic.  Shall  not  the  fame  ardor  fire 
our  breads,  which  adluates  the  merchant,  while,  in  the  purfuit  of 
wealth,  he  traverfes  the  globe,  or  faces  death  upon  the  mighty  waters! 
He  is  not  daunted  by  the  horror  of  the  tempeds,  or  the  changes  of 
climate,  until  he  arrives  in  Nootka  found  in  qued  of  a few  Otter Jkins  ; 
and  diall  the  falvation  of  fouls  be  of  lefs  confequence  in  our  view,  or 
fhall  we  be  apathetic  in  our  exertions  to  refcue  them  from  favage  ig- 
norance and  barbarity. 

I wifn  to  be  fully  informed  of  the  wifhes  and  defigns  of  the  com- 
mittee on  this  fubjedt,  and  how  far  they  will  carry  the  attempt  to  ci- 
vilize this  Nation  ; alfo  what  funds  they  will  appropriate  to  that  end. 
Should  the  funds  be  inadequate,  rather  than  the  defign  fhould  mifcar- 
ry,  I would  chearfully  commit  the  care  of  my  family  and  congrega- 
tions to  divine  providence,  and,  pleading  the  caufe  of  my  poor  red 
neighbours  and  brethren,  I would  endeavor,  by  reprefenting  their 
cries  for  relief,  to  excite  a generous  public  to  contribution. 

Were  the  date  of  the  fchool  and  its  wants  known  to  the  Merchants 
and  Bookfellers  of  Philadelphia,  I am  perfuaded  that  blankets,  cloth- 
ing, and  books,  together  with  an  abundance  of  fmall  articles  which 
would  ferve  as  prefents,  and  inducements  to  the  children  might  ea- 
fily be  obtained.  Thefe  would  be  of  great  fervicc;  and  indeed  with- 
out them  the  fchool  cannot  go  on.  All  the  prefents  I have  yet  given 
them  are  at  my  own  expence,  as  I was  very  defirous  to  make  the 
bed  I could  of  the  funds  on  hand. 

I need  not  fpecify  the  kinds  of  books  which  will  be  wanted  ; you 
are  all  judges  of  thofe  things,  and,  having  it  in  your  power  to  feledt 
from  a great  variety,  you  can  do  it  to  the  bed  advantage. 


39 


Oh,  fir,  if  I had  the  wealth  of  a Croefus,  the  ambition  of  an  Alex- 
ander, and  the  wifdom  of  Solomon,  aided  by  the  zeal  of  a Paul . or 
an  Elliot,  they  Ihould  all  be  employed  to  carry  on  this  delign. 

I hope  this  earth  never  makes  one  revolution  on  its  axis  without 
finding  you  with  your  hands  fpread,  and  your  hearts  raifed  to  the  di- 
vine throne  for  my  afliftance. — May  your  prayers  be  fuccefsful,  and 
you  reap  a rich  harvelt  to  your  own  fouls! 

'I  he  Nations  are  (baking,  the  temple  is  filling  with  the  glory  of 
the  Lord,  and  the  poor  heathen  will  foon  rejoice  in  the  light  of  the 
fun  of  righteoufnefs.  May  we  who  already  enjoy  the  light  of  the 
golpel  be  indeed  the  fait  of  the  earth  !” 


Instructions  given  by  the  Rev.  Gideon  Blartlurn,  Mif- 
fionary to  the  Cberohees , to  the  mafter  of  the  fchool  inftituted  for 
the  education  of  their  children. 

1.  The  teacher  will  always  keep  in  view  that  the  objetf  of  the 
Inftitution  is  to  moralize  and  civilize  the  Indians,  as  well  as  to 
teach  them  the  Rudiments  of  the  Englilh  Language  ; and  there- 
fore his  conduft  in  all  cafes  will  be  fuch  as  will  tend  to  thofe  ends. 

2.  Each  morning,  in  the  prefence  of  the  fcholars,  he  will  begin 
the  exercifes  of  the  day,  by  finging  a few  verfes  of  an  hymn,  and 
by  addrelling  a prayer  to  the  Deity  ; and  in  the  evening  will  clofe 
the  fchool  in  the  fame  manner: — taking  opportunities,  at  as  early  a 
period  as  polTible,  to  teach  the  pupils  the  delign  of  this  conduit,  and 
of  impreffing  their  minds  with  the  propriety  of  filence,  folemnity, 
and  compofure,  during  the  exercifes. 

3.  The  fabbath  will  always  be  carefully  fpent  in  religious  duties; 
and  as  foon  as  the  fcholars  can  underftand  the  nature  of  the  cafe, 
they  mud  be  catechifed  on  the  firft  principles  of  religion ; and  as  their 
capacity  encreafes,  advanced  towards  the  knowledge  of  religion  in 
general. 

On  thofe  days,  (hould  any  of  the  Nation  vifit  the  teacher,  he  will 
carefully  avoid  converfations  on  worldly  topics,  and  in  a family  way 
introduce  things  relative  to  God  &c.  and  the  firft  principles  of  re- 
ligion and  morality ; always  retaining  a grave  and  folemn  manner 
during  fuch  converfation,  in  order  to  imprefs  the  hearers  with  the 
importance  of  thofe  fubjeds. 

4.  In  all  interviews  with  the  Indians,  the  teacher  will  take  care  to 
(hew  a refpe&ful  attention  to  them,  that  they  may  fee,  that  as  men, 
they  are  viewed  as  his  equals ; and  that  fuperior  inflru&ion  does  not 
make  men  proud,  but  more  humble  and  polite. 

5.  He  will  carefully  avoid  adopting  their  manners  and  habits, 
and  ftudioufly  keep  up  the  charafteriftic  of  fuperior  civilization. 
Thus  he  will  lead  them  into  our  cuftoms. 


40 


6.  In  the  government  of  the  fchool  all  fevcrity  will  be  avoided, 
at  leafl  until  the  fcholars  are  brought  to  love  their  new  employ  ; but 
ingenious  penalties  and  well  chofen  inducements  mull  be  adopted. 
In  the  whole  bulinefs  care  will  be  taken  always  to  /hew  difapproba- 
tion  of  vice. 

7.  In  the  hours  of  amufement,  the  mailer  will  do  well  to  direft 
them  to  fuch  exercifes  and  plays,  as  are  pra&ifed  among  the  white 
people  ; thereby  eventually  to  change  the  diverlions  of  the  nation. 

8.  The  teacher  will,  in  all  cafes,  avoid  entering  into  the  difputes 
of  the  nation,  or  becoming  a party  in  their  politics  ; and  thus  main- 
tain his  influence  with  the  whole. 

9.  He  mull  ufe  his  bell  endeavors  to  form  a vocabulary  of  the  lan- 
guage of  the  nation. 

10.  Colled  as  much  as  poflible,  from  the  bell  attelled  fads,  an 
hiltoryof  the  nation. 

11.  Keep  a record  of  the  fcholars  names;  exhibiting  carefully, 
every  month,  the  progrefs  of  each,  and  marking  thofe  who  efpeciai- 
ly  excel. 


THE  HYMN  TO  JESUS. 

Tranjlated  from  the  Hottentot  Language  and  verjijied  in  Englijh It 

luas  Jung  by  the  three  Hottentots. — Vide  page  21. 

O Zion’s  king  ! Thou  Son  of  God, 

Exalted  on  thy  Father’s  throne! 

Behold  the  purchafc  of  thy  blood, 

On  thy  dear  bride  look  gently  down. 

Far  from  thy felf,  her  head,  her  Lord, 

Her  life,  her  love,  for  thee  Ihe  longs! 

Oh,  come  and  fpeak  fome  cheering  word  } 

And  foon  her  (ighs  fliall  turn  to  fongs! 

Forget  not  fouls  Hill  dead  in  fin, 

For  whom  thy  precious  blood  was  Hied  : 

Oh,  let  them  feel  a life  divine, 

Thy  mighty  power  can  raife  the  dead  ! 

Now  let  thy  glory  be  difplay’d, 

Now  caufe  the  deaf  thy  voice  to  hear  ; 

That  it  of  Zion  may  be  faid, 

“ This  and  that  man  was  born  in  her.” 


41 


Fountain  oflife!  Almighty  God  1 
Thy  fpirit’s  influence  impart ! 

Oh  fhed  thy  precious  love  abroad, 

And  let  it  foften  ev’ry  heart. 

Bring  Tyrians,  Philiflines  and  Moors, 

In  the  right  way  thy  face  to  feek  ; 

Let  Satan  fall,  while  heav’n  adores. 

And  the  whole  earth  thy  praife  fhall  fpeak! 

<»><»>  !♦> 

The  Hottentots  in  London. 

Ev.  Mag  January  1804. 

T he  Gentiles  Jhall  come  unto  thee  from  the  ends  of  the  earth , [ffc. 

Jer.  xvi.  19. 

Jehovah  fpake,  and  truth  attends  his  word, 

“ The  Gentile  nations  fhall  confefs  their  Lord  ; 

“ Mefliah’s  reign  fhall  o’er  the  world  extend  ; 

“ And  his  firm  throne  endure  till  time  fhall  end  !” 

Each  palling  age  the  promife  bleft  reveals; 

Each  diftant  clime  the  fpreading  conqueft  feels  ; 

Each  diff’rent  tribe  fhall  by  the  crofs  be  won; 

And  all  the  Kingdoms  be  in  Jefus  one ! 

Europe,  once  pagan,  barbarous,  and  blind, 

Now  civilized,  enlightened,  and  refin’d, 

Avows  the  chriftian  faith ; while  thoufands  fhare 
Its  bleflings,  who  difgrace  the  name  they  Dear ! 

Yet  Europe  hath  its  righteous  fouls,  who  aim 
To  fpread  around  the  world  a faviour’s  name; 

O’er  Seas  and  defarts,  bold  they  perfevere  ; 

And  Lo  ! at  length,  the  firfl  ripe  fruits  appear  ! 

Who  are  thefe  of  olive  hue, 

Varied  forms  of  human  race, 

Uttering  language  harfh  and  new, 

Strangers  from  fome  diftant  place  ? 

Children  thefe  of  nature  rude, 

In  a land  of  darknefs  born  ; 

By  oppreflion’s  rod  fubdu’d, 

Europe’s  ridicule  and  fcorn. 

F 


42 


Knowing  not  their  maker’s  name  ; 
Having  not  the  means  to  know  ; 

Void  of  decency  or  fhame, 

And  unconfcious  of  their  woe, — 

Life  with  them  was  but  a ftate, 

To  be  wretched,  and  to  die  ; 

And  their  everlafiing  fate 
Waken'd  not  an  anxious  figh  ! 

What  a change  in  thefe  is  wrought ! 
Trophies  rich  of  grace  divine  ; 

From  death’s  gloomy  fhadows  brought, 
Humbie  lights  for  God,  to  Ihine  1 
What  could  break  old  habits  force, 
Stem  the  hold  of  fin,  fecure. 

Turn  corrupted  nature’s  courfe, 

Into  channels  clean  and  pure  ? 

Mark  them ! — Savage  once,  and  wild 
Now  adorn’d,  with  fmiles  ferene, 
Gentle,  teachable  and  mild, 

Decent  look  and  pious  mien. 

Hark  ! religion  joy  doth  bring. 

Tuning  grateful,  cheerful  praife ; 
Sweetly  Jefus  love  they  fing 
In  their  native  Ample  lays! 

Hail  thou  blefled  gofpel  hail ! 

Where  thy  faithful  heralds  run. 

Peace  and  love,  and  joy  prevail,-— 
Glory  is  on  earth  begun  ! 

Slaves  of  fin  releas’d  by  thee, 

Jefu’s  friends  and  fervants  are, 

Form  on  earth  his  family, 

And  his  heavenly  kingdom  fhare  ! — 

Say  boafiing  infidel,  can  all  your  fchemes 
To  civilize  the  world,  fuch  converts  find  ! 
Could  vain  philofophy’s  delufive  dreams. 

Or  reafon’s  morals  thus  renew  the  mind  ? 
Would  your  philanthrophy  the  work  delign,— . 
To  feek  the  wretched  of  the  human  race  ; 

‘ Mid  Iceland’s  fnows,  or  Afric’s  burning  line. 
To  fpread  the  knowledge  of  a faviour’s  grace  ? 


43 


God  work’s  by  means  that  prove  his  fov'rcign  handj 
Infpires  the  humble  to  confound  the  wife; 

Effefts  by  fimple  agents,  movements  grand  ; 

Marks  out  the  track,  and  ready  ftrength  fupplies  ! 

Nor  wealth  nor  fame  attend  the  arduous  deed  ; 

But  toils  and  dangers  llrew  the  rugged  way  ; 

Unbought  they  labor,  and  unarm’d  fucceed  ; — 

Their  fword  is  truth,  and  fouls  renew’d  their  pay  1 

O ye,  who  mourn  a world  in  error  dead, 

Whofe  fpirits  cry,”  Lord  let  thy  kingdom  come  !— 

Who  long  to  fee  the  glorious  gofpel  fpread, 

And  pant  towelcome  wand’ring  Tinners  home, — 

Rejoice!  your  pray’rs  have  reached  the  throne  above  ! 

Go  on  ; the  word  hath  reach’d  remote!!  lands  ! 

Your  work  of  faith,  and  labor  fweet  of  love. 

Shall  profper  in  the  great  redeemer’s  hands! 

FINIS. 

ANY  Perfon  furnifhing  the  committee  of  Millions,  or  either  of 
them,  with  33  dollars  33,  cents,  will  be  the  means  of  fupplying  a 
Miflionary  to  preach  the  glad  tidings  of  falvation  to  fomc  dcllitute 
part  of  the  country  for  one  month. 

Blankets,  coarfe  woollens,  cottons,  books,  or  any  other  com- 
modity proper  for  the  cloathing  or  inftrudlion  of  the  Indian  boyi 
at  the  fchool  in  the  Cherokee  Nation  of  Indians,  will  be  thankfully 
received  by  the  committee,  or  either  of  them,  and  forwarded  ac- 
cordingly. 


The  form  of  a drone  or  bequest  for  Missionary  purposes. 

I A.  B.  Do  give,  devife  and  bequeath  to  the  truftees  of  the 
General  Aflembly  of  the  Prelbyterian  Church  in  the  United  States 

of  America  and  their  fuccefibrs  for  ever. — All  that,  &c. fop 

the  ufes  of  their  Incorporation. 

The  names  of  the  Committee  of  Millions  for  the  prelent  year. 

ASHBEL  GREEN,  Chairman. 

The  Rev,  Dr.  Samuel  Blair,  Elias  Boudinot, 

Philip  Milledoler,  Ebenezer  Hazard, 

Jacob  Janeway,  Robert  Smith. 


44 


The  editor  has  taken  the  liberty  to  add  to  this  colleSion  the  following  co- 
py of  a letter  received  from  the  <wejlern  country , Jlate  of  Tenne/7et 
written  by  a Rev.  gentleman  well  known , and  on  wlrcft  knowledge 
and  Jlritt  veracity  great  reliance  may  be  placed. 

Maryville,  January  %o,  1804. 

Rev.  and  dear  Sir, 

The  wonderful  appearances  attendant  on  the  revival  in  the  Hate 
of  Tenneffee  has  arrefted  the  attention  of  both  the  friends  and  ene- 
mies of  religion.  The  bodily  exercife  has  affumed  fuch  a variety  of 
drapes  as  to  render  it  a truly  herculian  talk  to  give  an  intelligent  ft  ate  - 
ment  ofit  to  any  perfon  who  has  never  feen  it.  However,  I do  not 
hefitate  to  fay  that  it  is  evidently  the  Lord’s  work  though  marvellous 
in  our  eyes. 

Since  my  return  to  the  date  of  Tenneffee  I have  attended  eight  fa- 
oranrents,  and  thefe  in  different  parts  of  the  country.  From  1000  to 
3500  have  been  aflembled  together — of  courfe,  cohered  from  confi- 
derablc  didances.  I have  converfed  particularly  with  upwards  of  800 
perfons  on  their  exercifes,  views,  feelings  &c.  and  I am  condrain- 
ed  to  fay,  that  I have  difcovered  far  lefs  extravagance,  diforder  and 
irregularity,  than  could  have  poflibly  been  expe&ed  in  fo  extraordina- 
ry an  awakening,  efpecially  when  part  ofit  took  place  among  perfons 
fettled  in  the  back  parts  and  entirely  deditute  of  the  means  of  grace. 
If  crouded  audiences,  earned  praying — practical  preaching — and  ani- 
mated finging,  may  be  confidered  irregular,  there  is  a great  deal  of  ir- 
regularity. If  crying  out  for  mercy.  If  diouting  glory  to  God  for 
falvation,  are  diforderly  ? then  there  is  fome  diforder,  but  I prefume 
not  more  than  there  was  at  the  day  of  Pentecod. 

The  only  thing  with  us,  which  can  be  condrued  into  diforder  or 
extravagance,  is  the  motions  of  the  body  under  the  exercife.  Thefe 
I will  attempt  to  defcribc.  Ln  a number  of  indances,  the  fird  fymp- 
tom-fit,  is  a violent  trembling  throughout  the  fydem — a difficulty  of 
breathing  and  a predure  about  the  heart  as  if  the  diffolution  of  nature 
was  fad  approaching;  and  often  the  perfon  fin  faifl)  believes  that  it 
is  jud  at  hand.  Sometimes  they  fall  and  lye  motionlefs  for  fome 
time — the  length  of  the  time  is  very  irregular.  Some  do  not  fall, 
but  a jerking  takes  place  in  the  nerves,  which  has  every  fymptomof 
the  diongelt  convulfion  and  produces  motions  prccifely  of  the  fame 
kind. — The  head  will  be  fometimes  jerked  forward  and  fometimes 
backwards,  with  fuch  violence  you  would  fuppofc  it  would  fly  off 
the  ffioulders.  .At  other  times  the  arms  will  be  proje&ed — the  fills 
clinched  .and  the  finews  fo  drong,  that  it  is  impoflible  to  bend  them 
and  lo  of  every  other  part  of  the  body,  on  which  the  influence  lights. 
'I  he  mufcles,  about  the  brain  and  jaws  fometimes  become  affefled — 
then  the  perfon  will  laugh  in  the  mod  extraordinary  manner,  though 


45 


it  is  altogether  involuntary,  as  indeed  all  the  bodily  exercifes  are; 
I have  frequently  feen  perfons  who  would  forely  lament,  after  it  was 
over,  faying  they  felt  more  difpofed  to  cry,  than  laugh,  but  they 
could  not  avoid  it.  In  a few  minutes  the  fame  perfon  will  break 
into  a flood  of  tears  and  be  in  the  utmoll  diffrefs,  but  it  is  only  when 
affedted  in  this  way,  they  can  flied  tears  while  in  the  bodily  excrcife, 
which  appears  evidently  to  take  the  place  of  and  fupercede  them  al- 
together. If  at  any  time  tears  break  forth  in  an  aflembly,  the  bodi- 
ly exercife  ceafes,  at  times,  almoff  entirely.  Sometimes  the  tongue 
will  be  fo  affedled  that  though  the  perfon  is  walking  about  in  perfedt 
health  and  quite  fenfible,  yet  he  cannot  fpeak  a word  for  hours. 
The  eyes  will  alio  be  frequently  affcdled  in  the  fame  way.  The  whole 
fyftem  is  often  fo  influenced,  that  in  whatever  poffure  the  perfon  is, 
whether  Handing  or  fetting,  when  taken,  he  will  remain  motionlefs 
and  as  ftiff" as  if  dead  for  feveral  hours;  during  which  period  you  can 
fcarcely  difeern  the  motion  of  the  pulfe,  and  the  extremities  will 
grow  completely  cold.  In  this  Hate  they  are  ufually  infenfible  to 
any  thing  pafling  around  them,  but  the  mind  is  in  full  employ,  and 
they  can  clearly  recolledt  their  meditations. — Frequently  the  effedt 
falls  on  the  nerves  of  the  thighs  and  legs,  and  then  the  perfons  will 
be  fo  difpofed  to  run,  that  if  you  hold  them  (which  has  been 
attempted)  it  nearly  takes  their  life.  If  let  alone,  they  will  run 
from  20  to  ico  yards  through  the  thickeft  woods,  with  their  eyes 
fltut,  with  a molt  aftonifhing  velocity,  and  then  drop  motionlefs  as 
if  fliot ; and  what  is  very  remarkable,  few  cafes  have  ever  happened, 
where  the  fubjedt  of  any  exercife  has  done  themfelves  any  injury. 
In  mod  of  the  cafes,  when  the  paroxifm  begins  to  go  off,  the  fub- 
jedl  feels  the  flrongelt  defire  for  prayer,  and  frequently  exprefles  him- 
felf  in  the  moll  pathetic,  fluent  and  pertinent  manner  I ever  heard. 
Children  of  5 or  6 and  perfons  who  before  appeared  grofsly  ignorant 
exprefs  themfelves  in  fitch  a mann,* — form  their  petitions  fo  judici- 
oufly  and  introduce  feripture  fo  pertinently,  that  I queftion,  if  the 
greatelt  Dodlor  of  divinity  in  America  would  notblulh  in  the  view 
of  his  own  inferiority.  A number  of  the  bodily  exercifes  immitate 
pieces  of  conduct,  which  are  known  by  common  names,  and  from 
that  circumltance  are  denominated;  and  thus,  with  thofe  who  are 
not  eye  witnefles,  has  all  the  odium  of  the  pradticein  common  ufe, 
attached  to  it — but  a perfon  who  candidly  views  the  whole  affair, 
will  fee  fuch  a difference,  that  though,  from  hearfay,  he  has  imbi- 
bed prejudices,  he  will  change  his  opinion,  and  admire  the  power 
of  God.  Of  this  kind,  are  thofe  motions  call  dancing , pointing,  fight- 
ing See.  Under  the  exercife,  fometimes  the  feet  and  hands  will 
move  fomething  like  dancing  and  if  they  are  fo  confined  that  they 
cannot  rife,  the  motion  will  continue;  and  if  you  hold  the  particu- 
lar part,  fuch  convuliions  will  feize  the  whole  frame  as  you  would 


46 


fuppofc  would  tear  it  in  pieces — yet  in  all  the  convulfions  and  exer- 
cifes, there  is  no  pain,  but  the  mod  pleafing  fenfations,  except  when 
ftrft  fcized,  or  what  rifes  from  the  diftrefs  of  mind.  The  dancing 
(as  it  is  called)  is  one  of  the  moft  folemn  appearances  I ever  have 
feen.  The  eyes  are  fliut.  The  countenance  brightened  with  joy 
and  the  motions  of  the  body,  a kind  of  leaping  or  dancing  very  expref- 
(ive  of  their  feelings.  This  exercife  is  ufually  attended  with  a tune, 
which  is  uniformly  the  fame,  in  tkofe  who  fing  at  all,  and  is  very 
melodious.  Some  ufe  words  which  are  defcriptive  of  their  train  of 
thought — fuch  as  “ come  Lord  Jefus — Oh  come  lovely  Jefus” — 
or  Holy!  Holy!  Holy!  Lord  of  Hoffs!  & c.  See”  I have  feen 
children,  who  I am  fure  never  danced  a flep  in  their  lives,  nor  ever 
faw  any  body  dancing,  rife  and  have  the  fame  motions  with  thofe, 
who  might  be  fuppofed  to  have  done  it  from  practice,  or  from  immi- 
tation  ! Old  men  of  60,  who  have  fupported  an  unblemifhed  cha- 
racter for  religion,  for  30  years  and  who  held  dancing  in  the  moft 
perfeft  abhorrence,  have  notwithftanding  been  brought  to  the  exer- 
cife (fo  called)  though  the  moft  againft  their  inclination.  It  has  fer- 
ved  as  an  effectual  check  to  carnal  dancing  in  this  part  of  the  world 
— fuch  a thing  can  fcarcely  be  heard  of  in  the  circle  of  an  acquain- 
tance. When  the  arm  is  ffrung,  and  railed  horizontally  with  the 
forefinger  projected,  it  is  called  pointing ; this  often  takes  place, 
though  the  eyes  are  {hut,  and  they  hare  no  defign  in  the  cafe — alfo 
when  the  fift  is  clinched  in  one  of  thofe  convulfions,  the  perfon  will 
ftrike  any  thing  indiferiminately,  as  well  a tree,  or  a (lump,  as  a man ; 
this  however  is  called  fighting.  And  the  fame  obfervations,  are  ap- 
plicable to  all  the  bodily  exercifes  which  appear.  The  fubjeCts  of 
thofe  exercifes  are  found  in  all  claffes,  ranks  and  degrees.  The  per- 
fon of  80  and  the  child  of  4 — the  mafter  in  affluence  and  the  flave 
in  bondage.  The  clergy  in  the  pulpit  and  the  laity  in  the  pews. 
The  man  of  long  religious  (landing,  thofe  of  a recent  date  and  many 
who  have  no  religion  at  all.  It  is  univerfally  agreed  that  there  is  no 
religion  in  the  bodily  exercife;  yet  it  is  thought  to  be  a very  folemn, 
external  call — is  well  calculated  to  imprefs  the  mind,  and  ought  to  be 
improved.  It  never  can  be  accounted  for,  from  fympathy , nor  is  it 
always  increafed  by  thinking — numbers  have  taken  it.  when  a fleep, 
or  at  their  work,  or  in  thoughtlcfs  mirth;  tho’  having  never  attended 
to  any  means  of  grace  for  years  pafl,  and  after  they  felt  it,  they 
fought  againft  it  for  fevcral  days,  and  attempted  to  banifh  it  by  drink- 
ing or  diverfions,  till  at  laft  conquered,  they  were  forced  to  acknow- 
ledge it  was  the  hand  of  God. 

Should  the  folution  be  attempted  on  the  ground  of  fympathy, 
we  muft  not  only  fuppofe  a fir pretender  to  bring  it  into  motion,  but 
alfo  fuch  to  be  regularly  afling  in  concert  in  every  worfhipping  af- 
fcmbly  to  carry  on  the  farce;  and  how  we  flrould  account  tor  the 


47 


individuals  in  the  woods  taking  of  it,  I know  not,  feeing  that  they 
have  it  more  violent  in  private  devotion,  than  in  company.  In  Ihort, 
I have  not  only  heard  of  it,  and  feen  it,  but  have  felt  it,  and  am 
perfuaded  that  it  is  only  to  be  effetted  by  the  immediate  finger  of 
God.  There  are  fome  impodors — there  are  fome  extravagancies, 
but  thefe  make  no  charatteridic  feature  of  the  work,  and  arc  held 
in  abfolute  aborrence  by  the  fimple  and  pious.  The  belt  evidence 
of  a revival  is  the  fruit  produced. — To  this  we  lhall  attend — a full 
enumeration  of  this  would  fwell  my  long  letter  to  a volume.  The 
infidel  of  many  years  Handing,  is  often  i’een  laying  down  his  wea- 
pons at  the  foot  of  the  crofs  ; and  heard  crying  out,  “ 't  here  is  a 
Jefus — I enjoy  more  fweetnefs  in  a moment,  than  I have  done  for 
years,  &c.”  Thefe  things  I have  feen  anil  heard.  They  have  alfo 
declared,  that  men  and  books  could  never  have  fo  efFedually  con- 
vinced them  of  the  truth,  as  the  bodily  cxcrcife  has  done.  Thofc 
of  the  fame  clafs,  who  arc  not  convinced,  are  completely  filcnced, 
and  have  obtained  their  tie  plus  ultra.  The  Ball  Room,  tipling 
fhops,  and  taverns,  have,  in  a number  of  indances,  been  thrown 
open  to  the  pious,  and  converted  into  places  of  prayer  and  praife 
in  focial  exercife.  The  molt  loofe  and  profane  fettlements,  where 
religion  was  not  known,  or  the  name  of  God  mentioned,  only  in 
blafphemy,  are  regularly  formed  into  focieties,  and  meet  weekly 
for  focial  prayer.  The  very  caves  of  the  mountains  where  a few  of 
the  more  indifferent  had  crowded,  are  now  founding  with  praife  to 
God.  Praying  focieties  may  be  attended  every  day  or  every  nigh: 
in  the  week,  by  a ride  of  a few  miles. — In  thefe,  boys  of  1 2 or  1 5 
will  chearfullv  take  their  part,  when  called  upon.  In  all  thefe  fo- 
cieties,  there  is  one  appointed  to  prefide,  who  reads  the  Scriptures— 
choofes  and  points  out  the  hymns,  and  calls  on  perfons  to  pray  as 
he  choofes,  and  thus  all  is  conduced  with  decency  and  order. — It 
is  not  uncommon  on  Sabbath  evenings  and  frequently  in  the  week, 
to  find  20  or  more  children  alTociated  in  a filent  grove,  none  of 
them  more  than  12  years  old,  and  engaged  in  the  mod  folemn 
prayer. 

1 have  under  covert,  drawn  near  them,  and  feen  and  heard  won- 
ders indifcribable.  Some  crying  to  Jefus  for  mercy — fome  fliout- 
ing,”  glory  to  God  for  falvation.”  Others,  praying  for  their  own 
fouls — their  brothers,  fillers,  fathers,  mothers,  friends,  minillers — 
praying  for  the  church — the  heathen — yea  for  the  world  at  large.  O ! 
fir  nothing  but  the  Hofanna’s  of  the  children  on  the  entry  of  Chrift 
into  Jerufalem,  could  equal  the  praifesof  thofe  infants.  Nor  is  this 
a hally  flafh,  but  continues,  while  they  are  evidently  become  both  more 
dutiful  and  docile.  Their  defire,  as  foon  as  they  take  the  bodily  ex- 
ercife, for  indru&ion  and  for  the  means  of  grace,  is  pad  conception, 
The  poor  black  flaves,  are  much  reformed — they  are  more  dutiful, 


48 


faithful  and  upright;  and  many  of  their  nights,  after  days  of  fatigue, 

are  fpent  in  focial  prayer.  In  a word  the  chrillian  is  animated the 

hypocrite  alarmed  and  finners  tremble.  The  dottrines  of  the  crofs  are 
thirlted  after  and  more  fully  underllood,  than  they  would  have  been, 

in  a common  way,  in  10  years  regular  attention — total  depravity 

free  grace  -inexcufablc  rebellion,  and  infinite  mercy,  are  favourite 
topics — The  great  objeift  appears  to  be,  to  defpife  felf,  and  exalt  the 
redeemer.  The  finner  ceafes  to  make  terms  with  his  creator,  and 
furrenders  in  entire,  unconditional  fubmiilion.  The  love  of  Chris- 
tians for  each  other,  has  increafed  at  lead  tenfold,  efpecially  with 
thofe  who  have  been  the  fubje&s  of  the  bodily  exercifes  (for  it  is  to 
be  remarked,  that  all  chrilbians  are  not  the  fubjefts  of  it)  and  the 
zeal  for  the  interclb  of  Zion  has  had  a proportionate  increafe.  Pray- 
er, praife  and  religious  converfation,  are  clearly  the  order  of  the  day ; 
and  this  practice,  palling  through  the  common  circles  of  fociety,  has 
bettered  their  Hate  and  fweetened  the  relations  oflife. 

Thefe  are  fome  of  the  effefts  produced,  and  while  fuch  is  the 
ruit  of  the  moral  tree,  I lhall  confider  the  root  good,  and  the 
aufe  producing  it  divine.  I ought  to  have  remarked,  that  the 
odily  exercife,  is  not  the  effedt  of  the  weaknefs  of  the  nervous 
ylbem,  for  the  weak  hylberical  female,  will  often  remain  unmoved, 
hile  the  Ibout  and  rturdy  veteran,  will  fink  and  fall  by  her  fide — 
As  foon  as  any  perfon  who  has  been  the  fubjedb  of  the  exercifes  has 
been  attacked  by  ficknefs,  the  exercife  leaves  him  entirely,  until  he 
again  recovers  llrength,  when  it  returns  with  force,  proportionate 
to  his  returning  llrength.  After  all  I have  faid,  you  will  not  be 
table  to  form  an  accurate  judgment  of  the  thing  without  beingalpec- 
tator  yourfelf,  nor  can  it  be  fully  deferibed  by  any  man  on  earth.  1 
have  limply  Hated  fads  fo  far  as  I have  gone,  not  any  by  hearty, 
but  what  I have  feen  myfelf. — Should  the  bodily  exercife  produce 
as  good  fruits  in  Philadelphia,  as  it  has  done  here,  I fitould  fincerely 
wifli  to  hear  of  it  making  its  appearance  in  that  city.  When  per- 
fons  are  under  the  bodily  exercile,  they  can  think  and  exprefs  them- 
felves  beyond  their  common  level  very  confiderably,  and  of  this  I 
am  convinced  by  experience. 

I am,  See. 


QZhThc  profits  arising  from  the  sale  of  this  pam- 
phlet, are  to  be  applied  toivards  defraying  the  c.i- 
pcncc  of  Missions. 


